We have ski toured with canines for a few years, our hardy Jack Russells turning into legends of their ski touring lifetimes, with tiny legs so barely in a position to see over our powder tracks however hearts of lions.
Their hardcore ski touring days are actually over. We misplaced Kiki on the ripe (ripping) age of 16 final yr and her daughter, Beanie, now 13 years previous, solely comes on straightforward jaunts. However now we have Ullr, our 4 yr previous Huskie/Collie cross. After an early snowboarding accident that noticed his again leg slashed and changed with carbon tendons by way of a significant Supervet-style operation in Hole, he’s now totally recovered and turning into a real ski tour-loving powder hound.
His leg is miraculously stronger than ever. He has no bother climbing up, typically having fun with mendacity within the deepest snow whereas ready for us – or torpedoing by means of it, nostril first.
Though generally he follows a scent off by means of the bushes, he at all times returns, often simply as we’re getting the telephone out to seek out him on his tracker app. We use a whistle, however his finest recall is the phrase ‘biscuit’, which is able to deliver him again in seconds. Except he is actually distracted. That is when a shout with a swear phrase or two from Gav, will get his consideration.
Coming down he is fairly quick, maintaining with Gav and, additionally, his distance from the skis. Probably the most helpful command is ‘this manner’ in order that he is aware of to not go off in a unique route, however he is additionally continually testing the place Gav goes.
Simply watch the video:
