Aspen’s K-9 Uphill returns at Buttermilk

ASPEN ” Last Sunday’s closing day on the slopes of Buttermilk means just one thing ” the place goes to the dogs.

Hikers and (until the snow melts) skiers have resumed walking/skinning up the slopes without worrying about the assigned uphill route and, now that the ski area is closed, expect plenty of canine companions to tag along, as is tradition outside of the ski season.

The most formal dog walk at Buttermilk, the Sun Dog K-9 Uphill, returns Saturday, April 12.

Billed as “a snowshoe event for dogs and their people,” the 13th annual K-9 Uphill starts at 10 a.m. at the main base at Buttermilk. As always, human/canine teams will snowshoe, ski or hike the two miles to the east summit (to the Cliffhouse restaurant) ” a climb of 2,000 vertical feet. Dogs, be sure to leash up your humans.

The event benefits the Aspen/Pitkin County Animal Shelter and Valley Dog Rescue. Those who don’t have a dog can “demo” one, available at the base, courtesy of the local shelters. Atlas snowshoes also will be available to demo for free, according to event director Erik Skarvan.

More than 200 teams participated last year in the recreational and competitive categories. The event includes a hot dog barbecue lunch, and participants are eligible for more than $3,000 in raffle prizes ” outdoor gear, to be specific. There’s typically free swag (treats and such) for the dogs, as well.

The registration fee is $30 for those who sign up in advance and $35 on race day at Buttermilk. Preregister at the Ute Mountaineer in Aspen, RJ Paddywacks in El Jebel, or by contacting Sun Dog Athletics at sundog@sopris.net or 925-1069.