During times like these, we like to spread a little happiness to our youngest skiers out there. Nothing brings smiles to our faces more than some puppy love - add in some snow and you've got the perfect combo that is sure to brighten anyone's day. These snow puppies (along with their Snow Patrol minders) hit the slopes throughout the season to make sure the mountain is kept safe for us to ski, and are avalanche trained to be there when they're needed the most. When you're buried, every second counts, and these snow pups have all the skills (including that keen sense of smell!) to get you out safely!

Check out the stories below to meet some of our favourite (and cutest!) furry friends that make up the Snow Patrol teams across our beloved mountains!

Alpine Avalanche Rescue Foundation - They support avalanche safety and education for professional rescuers and the general public throughout Californian ski resorts including Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Kirkwood and Heavenly. Their team is made up of a range of skillfully trained snow dogs, including Ike (yellow lab), Walter (golden retriever), Huxley (chocolate lab), Riggins and Watson (both golden retrievers) and Echo (black lab). The newest addition, Milton, is in training, and is sure to gain alpine certification in the coming seasons. Take a look at their Instagram for some of the most adorable action shots!

Jackson Hole Patrol Dogs - Some of the hardest working puppies in the industry. Meet Sable, Cricket, Ziggy, Josie, Wookie and Goose - Each with their own individual personality that really shines through as they work alongside ski patrol practicing search and rescue techniques. Read more about each special member of the team here. 

Big Sky Resort - The Avalanche Dogs are such an integral part of the Big Sky Ski Patrol. Day in and day out these dogs come to work to help mitigate safety and potential avalanche hazards. Avalanche dogs made their debut at Big Sky Resort in the 1980s. Forty years later, the program, which is funded by Big Sky Ski Patrol, continues to grow with the resort. Currently, the squad has five certified avalanche dogs (Hank, Boogie, Nancy, Juniper, and Tela) with more in training!

Telluride Ski Resort - Don't miss this stunning behind the scenes look at the working dogs of Telluride Snow Patrol (note: grab some tissues... it's a tear jerker!).

Breckenridge Ski Resort - The beautiful Rocky Mountains in Colorado is home to fantastic snow conditions, but unfortauntely, it also comes with high avalanche danger. Breckenridge Resort has a group of 6 dogs and handlers trained specifically to rescue people lost in the woods or buried by an avalanche. 

Mason (Copper Mountain)