We just hosted the Wasatch Backcountry Rescue 2013 International Dog School here at Alta again. For just a few days last week young rescue dogs in-training ruled the lodge.

So why don’t a dog’s paws seem to get cold in the snow? They’ve got built in paw warmers. A dogs paws don’t freeze in the snow thanks to special veins in their paw pads that circulate warm blood more effectively. Now you know.

Check out some photos and this short video of a simulated rescue.

VIDEO – Simulated avalanche burial rescue in the Alta backcountry