Mount Bachelor’s avalanche dogs: Ensuring safety on the slopes

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Avalanches are not only dangerous, but they can be life-threatening.

That’s why ski resorts take the utmost precautions to ensure guest safety.

Part of that protection comes from adorable — and intelligent — dogs.

Meet Shasta. She is a 5-year-old golden retriever and one of several avalanche dogs at Mount Bachelor.

She is a certified, highly trained professional.

But what does it take to become a certified avalanche dog?

“Yeah, they go through pretty extensive training. It’s a three- to four-year process to get a certified avalanche dog,” Mount Bachelor Patrol Supervisor Drew Clendenen told KTVZ.

“Those first six months are obedience — getting used to the sights and sounds of the mountain. And then you dive into the more structured, you know, different phases of avalanche dog training.”

While there has not been a lot of snow this year, Clendenen said crews continue to keep up with training.

They make sure to take advantage of the snow they do have and keep the dogs ready at a moment’s notice.