Ostrich, Elephant, Porcupine... That Love to Ski?

9 Animals on Skis!

As temperatures drop and the holidays near, people tend to start thinking about vacations. Whether it be warm ocean getaways or ski lodge stay-ins, skiing is a distinct winter tradition. However, the slopes might not just be a destination exclusive to humans. The art of ski is no longer relegated to those with opposable thumbs, animals are taking over everything from the slopes to the hearts of the humans who previously owned them.

(MORE: Exotic Animals to Hunt!)

An ostrich is brave enough to take on the slopes, while Hat the Cat makes the perfect ski companion.  Want something to take your mind off the winter chills, or just something to make you smile? Take a look at nine videos that show that our animal friends can do much more than fetch.

NEXT: Hat the Cat

Skiing With Hat the Cat

Clever cat names aside, Hat the Cat is a constant ski companion for Pat. This is not a Dr. Suess novel, but the tale of a brave cat, his clever owner and a feline that only skis on Canada's Catskinner. Hat rides on Pat's shoulder down the difficult slopes and is able to maintain its feline cool as he rests on his owner's shoulder. Oh, and if it wasn't implied by the amount of thought Pat put into the naming of his cat, Hat, and the corresponding ski locale the two match.

NEXT: Skiing Ostrich?

Ostrich on Skis

This ostrich skis far too well to be a normal bird. While the authenticity of this video is debatable, due to the pure outlandishness that is this ostrich's skill level, it is overall entertaining. Take a gander as this ostrich decidedly takes its head of the hole it was resting in and tears up the slopes.

NEXT: Elephant on Water Skis!

Vintage Skiing Elephant

Like the squirrel before him, this elephant was gifted skis to fit the crime. After being hoisted onto specially made skis, which honestly look like a barge, this elephant and his showgirl handler are taken for a spin in the water and like that history is made. This pioneering clip, shot April 14, 1958  on the Hudson River,  shows just how far back our obsession with skiing animals goes.

NEXT: A Skiing Monkey?

Water Skiing Monkeys

Taking to the Tanegawa River in Ushibori in Japan in August of 1996,  Momoko and Lilly claim their title as the water skiing Japanese macaques. These adorable prime mates not only command a wakeboard, but also run a two monkey show in which Momoko drives the speedboat and Lilly boards behind.

Snowboarding Doggy Style

These adorable bulldogs have put in the practice and are expert snowboarders. Just a warning, there is a bulldog puppy who is training to be a real life snowboarder just like its older friends. It really doesn't get much cuter.

NEXT: Ski Horse

Talented Horse Skis

The fact that this is not a video of a real animal should not diminish the level of skill it takes for two men to put on a horse costume and then ride their skis tandem. This video is ski skill at its finest, most of the time the imposter horse seems like the operators would be blind to the slope they are speeding down.

NEXT: Porcupine Attacks!

Snowboarding Porcupine Bites Skier

What happens when a porcupine thinks its better than you? Well, he bites you and hops a ride around the bunny slope on your skis.  This prickly guy did just that in Alta, Utah when an unsuspecting skier got his right ski jacked by the curious porcupine - and the results are worth it. 

NEXT: Skiing Squirrel!

Squirrel on Skis

There are few things cuter than tiny animals doing things humans do, and this squirrel is no exception. The little guy takes a ride around a to scale lake in a boat driven by stuffed animal squirrels. The cuteness is almost overwhelming, but also scary when the inevitable, 'can squirrels swim', question comes into play. Spoiler: they can.

NEXT: Roger the Ski Dog!

Roger the Skiing Dog

Roger is a dog who loves to ski, water ski that is. While his ski technique rests mostly on sticking his tongue out and enjoying the ride, Roger is able to impress his enthusiastic family members, and more importantly, their neighbor. After all, what is the point of having a talented pooch if you can't show him off. The point is made by the first minute of the video, but the feat is nonetheless impressive. Good boy, Roger.