AUSTRALIA’S FIRST SKI RESORT THERAPY DOG

Australian ski resort Mt. Buller is introducing a unique new team member for the 2025 winter season: Chilli, a 5-month-old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Unlike traditional patrol dogs trained for avalanche rescue, Chilli is being trained as a therapy dog.

Chilli’s arrival marks the launch of a new program at Mt. Buller aimed at providing emotional support to both ski patrollers and guests. The initiative was proposed by ski patroller Tess Hoinville, who, along with fellow patroller and third-generation Buller skier Campbell Allen-Craig, will handle Chilli.

Hoinville was inspired to start the program after responding to patrol calls involving mental health challenges as often as physical injuries. Her research into the benefits of therapy dogs led to the development of this innovative addition to Mt. Buller’s ski patrol.