There's no better companion than a dog to share the wonders of an alpine holiday; a time when routine morning walks are upgraded to glistening snow-covered trails and evening apéros are taken fireside while tired paws rest on plush sheepskin rugs.
While the mountains offer endless opportunities for adventure, the chosen hotel provides a base to unwind and recharge before the next day’s explorations. Across the Alps, mountain retreats stand ready to welcome guests and their four-legged companions, each well-versed in offering a warm and inviting environment for pets. These dog-friendly hotels have perfected the art of hospitality, ensuring their canine clientele feel as much at home as their owners.
A Luxury Dog-Friendly Hotel in the Austrian Alps
The Cōmodo
A stylish Wellness Hotel in Bad Gastein
Accommodation
This elegant mountain retreat is filled with perfectly curated furnishings, inspired by the 60's and mid-century modern interior design; an idyllic mountain hotel for those wanting a unique alpine experience.
The importance of wellness, deeply rooted in Bad Gastein, is emphasised in the facilities at the hotel. Spa treatments are tailored to individual needs and the mineral-rich Gastein thermal water is used throughout. Guests can unwind at the indoor pool and saunas.
The restaurant follows a farm-to-table ethos and meals are artistically created with local ingredients and sustainability in mind. Classic nightcaps can be enjoyed at the bar before retreating to the most comfortable bed with views of endless pine forests.
Location
A peaceful corner of the Alps, Bad Gastein isn't just a top ski destination. Enjoy this region of the Austrian Alps year-round and immerse yourself in nature, no matter the season. Wander into the centre of Bad Gastein and discover the impressive waterfall that cascades down 341 metres through the town, and stop for a sweet apple strudel at café Schuh.
A hiking haven, the Hohe Tauern National Park is the largest in Austria and is a sanctuary for wildlife and unique flora. Trail difficulties vary and provide multiple options for amateur hikers and more experienced mountaineers.
Dog-Friendly
Dogs are very welcome to stay at The Cōmodo for an additional charge of €25.00 per night.
A Luxury Dog-Friendly Hotels in the French Alps
Airelles Val d'Isere
A Luxury Hotel in the Heart of Val d'Isere
Accommodation
This exceptional hotel prides itself on the unrivalled five-star services guests receive the moment they arrive; Airelles truly is the epitome of alpine luxury and one of the top dog-friendly hotels in the Alps.
Elegant and spacious rooms are tastefully decorated with antique pieces and sumptuous fabrics. The larger loft-style apartments, located at the top of the hotel, are ideal for family holidays. Private living spaces and open fireplaces create a cosy and intimate home away from home setting.
A superb destination for foodies. Even the most dedicated skiers will be enticed to swap the slopes for an exceptionally long lunch at Palladio or La Grande Ourse.
Location
The impressive lodge-style Savoyard architecture stands proudly at the base of the Olympic Bellevarde and Solaise slopes, and the sun-drenched terrace is the perfect place to people watch while sipping on an ice cold Aperol Spritz.
Positioned in an unbeatable central location, all the amenities and après one could wish for are just minutes away from the hotel. The Val d'Isere resort ticks all the boxes for serious skiers and laidback mountain holiday-makers.
Dog-Friendly
Pets are treated as part of the family at Airelles Val d'Isere. A cosy bed, dog treats and some additional extra touches are added at no additional cost. The pet-sitting and dog walking services provide flexibility and peace of mind to owners who like to spend adequate ski time on the slopes.
A Luxury Dog-Friendly Hotels in the Italian Alps
Forestis
Calming Wellness Retreat in South Tyrol
Accommodation
An architectural masterpiece, the timbers and expansive glass windows blend seamlessly into the natural landscape at Forestis. This adults only hotel is a serene oasis amongst the summits in the Italian Alps.
Sustainability plays a large role throughout the hotel, the operation runs on 100% renewable energy, and many ingredients on the menu are sourced from the on-site organic garden. Taking pampering amongst the peaks to new heights, the tranquil spa atmosphere makes it easy to feel as light as a cloud.
Location
Nestled amongst expansive pine forests with unrivalled views of the Dolomites, Forestis is located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With unbeatable panoramic views of the Odle peaks, guests can enjoy the beauty of the mountains without even leaving the hotel. Venturing further afield, however, does have its benefits. Adventure awaits throughout the year whether a sunrise hike, summertime lake swim, or winter snowshoe walk is on the agenda.
Dog-Friendly
Pets are welcome at Forestis for an additional charge of €50.00 per night, and dog beds and bowls will be arranged for four-legged friends on arrival. The restaurant has a dedicated area for canine companions and the garden and terrace area is open to all. Fresh food also can be prepared on request.
A Luxury Dog-Friendly Hotels in the Swiss Alps
The Capra
A Luxury Wellness Hotel in Saas-Fee
Accommodation
Wooden-clad walls and earthy toned fabrics reflect the surrounding alpine landscapes at The Capra; this mountain lodge hotel blends the charm of alpine tradition with modern design. The natural interior materials used create an immediate sense of calm and a soothing atmosphere of understated luxury runs throughout.
The state of the art spa is a haven for relaxation. Features include indoor and outdoor pools, multiple saunas and steam rooms, a salt therapy room and a yoga studio. A sustainably focused kitchen serves seasonal dishes, and guests can also dine at the hotel's mountain restaurant on the sunny Spielboden side of Saas-Fee.
Location
Surrounded by impressive Swiss summits, the Capra is located in a traditional, high alpine resort in Switzerland. A car-free mountain haven, the village feels quaint and traditional but offers plenty of restaurant choices and shops.
Reliable snow cover makes the destination a perfect choice for winter sports enthusiasts, and the summer season offers plenty of hiking trails and mountain biking in neighbouring Saas-Grund.
Dog-Friendly
Pets are welcome at The Capra for an additional charge of 45 CHF per night. Canine companions can expect a dog bed, blanket and bowl waiting for them on arrival.
Travelling With a Dog to the Alps
When you've pinpointed where to stay in the Alps with your dog, additional trip planning and itineraries will start to take shape. Alongside dog-friendly activities and experiences to add to the wish list, you'll want to prepare travel certificates and inform yourself of country-specific rules and restrictions. Having this knowledge in advance will ensure your holiday in the Alps with your dog will be unforgettable.
Bringing Your Dog to the Alps
Rules may vary depending on where you're travelling from, and which alpine region you're heading to. Generally, first things to have ticked off the list are:
Making sure your dog has a valid pet passport
Ensuring your dog is microchipped
Having a valid rabies vaccination
If you're travelling from the UK to the Alps with a dog, you'll most likely need an Animal Health Certificate, unless your dog has an EU passport. This certificate can be obtained at a veterinary surgery. When returning to the UK, your dog will also need a tapeworm treatment administered 1 - 5 days before travel.
Generally speaking, most areas of the Alps are dog-friendly, but seeking knowledge from local tourist offices will stand you in good stead. Some mountain areas are protected National Parks and will have restrictions regarding off-leash walking to protect flora and fauna during certain seasons, and hunting periods also occur in the Alps.
Winter Experiences With Your Dog in the Alps
Numerous mountain gondolas in the Alps are dog-friendly, and with many mountain restaurants also welcoming four-legged friends, having a long lunch at a higher altitude is a wonderful experience. Active ideas with pets can include renting snowshoes and exploring the well-marked snow trails amongst the summits.
Summer Activities in the Alps With Your Dog
Summer in the Alps is all about hiking, and it's the perfect activity to enjoy with your dog. Before setting off, research the route you're taking as it may not be suitable for canine companions. Although most alpine trails are perfect for exploring together, some may include rope bridges and sheer cliff drops.
Looking After Your Dog in the Alps
Although most owners are well-versed in the requirements and care needs of their pets, the alpine environment can be extreme and harsh at times. Here are a few tips to think about before embarking on a holiday to the Alps with your dog:
Depending on the breed of your dog, protective gear may be necessary during the winter months. Warm coats and paw boots are effective barriers against cold temperatures and snow.
Do not allow your pets to roam off-leash on ski slopes during the winter season, it's extremely hazardous to skiers and dogs.
Having a tick remover kit is a great item to add to your pack when hiking in the Alps with your dog. Be sure to check them regularly, especially if you're visiting in the late spring season when wildflowers and long grass meadows are in full bloom.
Be aware that temperatures can become extremely hot during the summer months, even at high altitudes. The sun is strong and this can have a serious effect on your dog if they're out in the heat all day. It may be wise to hike earlier in the day and cool off lakeside before the temperatures rise.
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