There will be a new face this winter at Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resort. And it could be an addition that just might help save some lives.
Sierra-at-Tahoe has a new avalanche rescue pup in training. Yuki the golden retriever is just beginning her journey toward becoming a validated avalanche rescue dog.
At just nine weeks old, this golden retriever pup is already quite popular among the Sierra employees, stealing hearts across the mountain. What’s makes Yuki so adoring? She’s sweet, curious and full of energy.
Skiers and snowboarders who frequent the Lake Tahoe ski resort will get to know this cute, curious, snow-loving pup in her first season with the Sierra Avalanche Dogs, who are well trained to help people in a crisis situation.
Yuki’s handler is Shannon Maguire, Sierra’s Ski Patrol Director. Maguire is no stranger to raising mountain-ready pups. Her last doggy – Hunter – was a golden retriever legend at Sierra. And it appears Yuki is following in his paw prints.
Sierra-at-Tahoe is located off Highway 50, 12 miles west of South Lake Tahoe. The ski resort, which resides at an elevation of 6,640 and has a summit of 8,852 feet, has 48 trails across 2,000 acres. It features Avalanche Bowl and five backcountry gates in some of Tahoe’s steepest expert terrain, Huckleberry Canyon.
This season, Yuki’s focus will be basic obedience, play-based training, and plenty of snowy adventures. She’ll start scent work and rescue drills next, with a goal of becoming mission ready by the end of her second season in 2027.
Yuki joins the rest of the Sierra Avalanche Dog team – Shasta, Bodhi, Dyna, and Echo – all part of the ski resort’s commitment to guest safety and avalanche education. Guests at Sierra might spot the dogs on the mountain, typically near first aid or at fun events like the resort’s Avalanche Dog Fundraiser, Ski Safety Day, or Subaru WinterFest.
If you see one of the avalanche dogs out and about, there’s a protocol to getting a little dog time. Be sure to ask their handler before saying hello, even if they look like they’re just chasing snowballs.
Want to learn more about how our avalanche dogs train, work, and help keep guests safe? Check out this video that takes you behind the scenes of the Sierra Avalanche Dogs program and shows what it takes to become a rescue-ready pup in the mountains.
