Looking for an unusual activity for your winter holidays? Why not try a dog sled ride? Many providers share their love for animals while introducing you to stunning landscapes in the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Jura, and more.
Discover in more detail the dog sled activities in the mountains and the iconic resorts where you can experience a “Grand Nord” adventure.
Going on a dog sled ride in the mountains guarantees an unforgettable experience, both gentle and full of emotions. Guided by a team of dogs and a musher, you follow trails often inaccessible by ski, away from the busy slopes. Nature then reveals itself in a unique way: silent forests, pristine plateaus, and breathtaking panoramas.
Beyond the beauty of the landscapes, this activity allows you to share a special moment with the sled dogs, full of energy and charm. The time spent preparing, petting, or simply observing the dogs’ interactions enhances the magic of the moment.
For thrill-seekers, the sled also provides adrenaline, especially on descents or tight turns.
Dog sledding is therefore a perfect activity for families, couples, or friends—unique in its kind—and will leave you with lasting memories of your mountain holiday!
Mushers, who raise and guide the dogs, sometimes offer several services with their animals.
The most common is a dog sled baptism ride, typically lasting 20 to 45 minutes. Alone or in a group (depending on the sled and team capacity), you let the dogs and musher guide you. This is the best option to fully enjoy the landscapes.
Some providers also offer sled driving lessons. Here, you guide the dogs yourself: a fun experience that puts you in the musher’s shoes and allows a stronger connection with the dog team.
Finally, when snow is insufficient or for those who prefer walking or running, there are cani-hiking activities with sled dogs. Each participant is gently pulled by a dog on snow-covered trails. This is a more athletic activity that helps create a true bond with the animal.
Want to fully experience the polar world with dog sleds during your holiday? Here’s a selection, not exhaustive, of resorts where you can enjoy a magical ride!
In the Alps, it’s relatively easy to find resorts where mushers share their passion with visitors.
You can enjoy dog sledding in Chamrousse at the Nordic Park of Chamrousse 1600. The activity lasts about an hour: 20 minutes briefing, 20 minutes ride, and 20 minutes spent with the dogs.
Another must-see location for dog sled rides is the Chamonix valley (Chamonix). Several providers offer dog sled baptism rides and even driving lessons (Huskydalen, Évolution 2, Évasion Nordique 74), always in breathtaking settings.
Other Alpine destinations for sled rides include Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Serre-Chevalier, the Oisans valley, Vars, the Champsaur Valgaudemar valleys, and the wild Queyras region.
Heading to the Pyrenees? There are also numerous ski resorts offering a “Grand Nord” dog sledding experience.
For example, visit Barèges, where L’Appel Sauvage offers a variety of experiences: sled rides, driving lessons, snowshoe or hiking with dogs, kennel visits, and even private lessons to become a musher.
In Font-Romeu, Alaskan Team welcomes visitors for discovery rides or driving initiation, including special sessions for children aged 5 to 11 with adapted sleds.
Many other mushers operate in the Pyrenees: Gourette, La Mongie, La Pierre Saint-Martin, Cambre d’Aze, and more.
Known for Nordic sports, magical forests, and open plateaus, the Jura is ideal for discovering dog sledding.
Near the Les Rousses resort, sled rides are organized at the Bois d’Amont Nordic site by Cani Aventure et Loisirs (baptism and sled driving from age 5) and at Lamoura with Sentiers Nordiques (baptism, driving, snowshoeing, ski-joëring, kennel visits, multi-day trips, etc.).
In Morbier, Free Sled offers sled and hiking or snowshoe rides, including “kids sled” sessions to introduce children to sled driving.
In Mijoux, Aventure Qimmiq offers discovery rides, beginner driving courses, and kid-friendly driving initiation (ages 3–5).
Elsewhere in the Jura, this experience is also available in Foncine-Le-Haut, Le Crouzet, La Pesse, Les Fourgs, and more.
In Auvergne, you can also enjoy unforgettable dog sledding experiences, especially in the Sancy resorts: Murol near Mont-Dore, Super-Besse, Chastreix, La Bourboule, Murat-le-Quaire, and more.
Further south in the massif, this Nordic activity is offered in Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne, Chavagnac, and Le Claux.
Services vary and allow you to choose the activity that suits you: dog sled baptism, cani-hike, kart baptism in case of snow shortage, “trapper” packages for half-day, full-day, or multi-day experiences.
Even if snow is less abundant than in other mountain ranges, the Vosges offer an ideal playground for dog sledding.
In the Munster valley, for instance, L’Appel Sauvage offers discovery rides, longer hikes, and a night sledding experience for a truly unique adventure. Other providers operate in the Vosges, including La Bresse and the southern Ballon d’Alsace.