Mums do travel

Travel with and without teens

  • Home
  • Destination
    • UK
      • London
      • Kent
      • Northern Ireland
      • Wales
      • Elsewhere
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Croatia
      • France
      • Gibraltar
      • Greece
      • Hungary
      • Italy
      • Netherlands
      • Norway
      • Portugal
      • Russia
      • Spain
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • USA
      • Canada
      • Carribean
      • Costa Rica
    • Africa
      • South Africa
      • Tunisia
    • Asia
      • Thailand
      • Bali
      • Singapore
    • Australia
  • Inspiration
    • Things to do in…
    • Things to do in London…
    • Where to stay
    • Language learning
    • Family travel interviews
    • The journey
    • Recipes
  • Published in
  • About
  • Contact
  • Travel shop
Home / Destination / Europe / France / Dog-sledding in Alpe d’Huez

Dog-sledding in Alpe d’Huez

March 24, 2016 by Gretta Schifano 14 Comments

Dog-sledding in Alpe d'Huez. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Dog-sledding in Alpe d’Huez. Copyright Gretta Schifano

I went dog-sledding while on a four-day trip to the Alpe d’Huez ski area in France. I was staying in the small village of Auris-en-Oisans, which is linked by ski lifts to the resort of Alpe d’Huez and to the other villages in the area. It was a great trip, and dog-sledding was the highlight for me.

Dog-sledding

I’m not exactly sure why I loved the experience of dog-sledding so very much, but I found it truly marvellous. I was certainly looking forward to the excursion, as I love trying different things, but I wasn’t prepared for just how excited I felt as soon as the dogs swooshed up to where we were waiting for them.

The sled dogs at Alpe d’Huez resort in France are all huskies and pointers and they were wagging their tails happily as they trotted towards us. Once they stopped they bounced around and barked, seemingly excited to get going again. I swear that they were all smiling.

Huskies. dog-sledding, Alpe d'Huez. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Huskies, dog-sledding, Alpe d’Huez. Copyright Gretta Schifano

I was soon perched on a sled with Pippa, who helps with PR for the resort. It was quite a tight fit for the two of us to sit on the sled together, although we’re not big (I’m 5’2” tall), but it was fine.

Sitting on a dog-sled, Alpe d'Huez. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Sitting on a dog-sled, Alpe d’Huez. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Our driver, Océane, stood behind us on the back of the sled, holding the reins to control the eight-strong team of dogs that pulled us along. Océane told us that the leading pair of dogs need to learn the words for left and right, but the others just know what to do instinctively. Océane explained that it’s physically harder for the dogs at the back, and mentally harder at the front, and they use huskies at the front and pointers at the back. Our lead dogs were huskies Marie and Yoko.

I found the sensation of being pulled along in the sled to be similar to skiing, but without the fear of falling over. It’s peaceful, effortless, exhilarating, and allows you relax and enjoy the mountain scenery. I felt completely safe. We stopped a couple of times to take photos, and I also managed to take some photos and videos while we were moving along, as it was a very smooth ride.

As the dogs ran along in front of us some snow flew up behind them. I was wearing ski goggles and ski gear, so this didn’t bother me. Each dog works for a maximum of two and a half hours each day, and then they swap with another team. The dogs range from two to 10 years old, and there are 50 sled dogs in total.

There’s no minimum age limit for dog sledding. I saw a couple with a toddler on one sled – the toddler looked delighted and had the biggest smile imaginable. I think that I probably had the same smile.

Cost

Dog sledding in Alpe d’Huez is available to book via Alpe d’Huez grand domaine Ski area tourist office from December to April and is priced from £28/ 35€ for adults and £20/25€ for children.

Verdict

I enjoyed every minute of this experience, and would love to do it again. My only regret was that my family weren’t there to experience it with me. This isn’t a cheap activity, but it’s so memorable that I’d definitely recommend doing it if you ever have the chance.

Find out more

More information on the area from the tourist office: Alpe d’Huez grand domaine Ski area

More winter sports posts

You can read more of my winter sports posts here:

Les Balcons d’Aurea apartments

Driving on ice in Madesimo, Italy

How to ride a fatbike on snow

Snowmobiling in Italy

How to get there

Crystal Ski Holidays offers a week’s self catering at the four-star Résidence Odalys Les Balcons d’Auréa (where I stayed – here’s a video of my apartment) from £459 per person (based on four sharing) including flights from Gatwick and transfers. Direct flights are available from all major UK airports.

If you’d like to arrange your own travel, and book your accommodation in Auris-en-Oisans independently, you can do so here. The Résidence Odalys Les Balcons d’Auréa self- catering apartments are modern, comfortable and convenient, and I’d recommend them.

Dog-sledding, Alpe d'Huez. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Dog-sledding, Alpe d’Huez. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Disclosure: I was a guest of the Alpe d’Huez grand domaine Ski area tourist board and Crystal Ski Holidays on this working press trip. This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you clicked through and booked I may receive a small commission. All opinions, images and words are my own, as ever.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related

Categories: Active, France, Winter sports
Tags: Alpe d'Huez, dog sledding

About Gretta Schifano

I'm a freelance journalist and blogger specialising in family travel with teenagers, trips when parents manage to travel without their kids, and 50+ travel. I also write about vegetarian travel, parenting teenagers, adoption, SEN, ADHD and anxiety. My work's been published by the Financial Times, Guardian, Independent, National Geographic Traveller, Lonely Planet and others. I've lived and worked in Italy and Spain and am now based in rural south-east England with my husband, adoptive and birth kids and our dog. I previously worked as a social action radio producer for the BBC.

Facebook - Twitter - Google+

Subscribe to posts by email?

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Comments

  1. Jane says

    March 29, 2016 at 8:28 pm

    I went dog sledding years ago, on a frozen river in Lapland and your lovely article brought it all back. It was a fantastic experience swooshing along and I remember we had a break for hot berry juice and the dogs ate the snow. I’d love to take my family now.

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      April 2, 2016 at 3:02 pm

      That sounds wonderful – I’d love to do it again, with my family.

      Reply
  2. Nell@PigeonPairandMe.com says

    March 29, 2016 at 8:01 pm

    This is something I’ve always wanted to do – and it’s good that the dogs don’t have to work for too many hours at a time. That way everyone gets to enjoy the experience! Your apartment looks nice in the video too. Quite spacious for a ski apartment.
    Nell@PigeonPairandMe.com recently posted…Disney’s Zootropolis: a thrilling ride to rival BourneMy Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      April 2, 2016 at 3:03 pm

      It’s an amazing thing to do – your kids would love it!

      Reply
  3. Kirstie says

    March 28, 2016 at 10:54 am

    Lovely post. We are doing husky dog sledding in France next week if conditions are right and it’s the thing the kids are most looking forward to. Me too now I’ve read your post!

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      March 28, 2016 at 2:45 pm

      I really hope that you get to do it, I think that you’ll all love it!

      Reply
  4. Globalmouse says

    March 28, 2016 at 10:42 am

    Dog sledding is one of my favourite things to do ever and I can’t wait to go again, pleased you enjoyed it too. Your photos are gorgeous.

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      March 28, 2016 at 2:45 pm

      Thanks Nichola – it’s just a fab experience, isn’t it!

      Reply
  5. Sarah Ebner says

    March 26, 2016 at 4:36 pm

    I’m so glad you loved it. I was a total wimp when offered the chance to do this, and didn’t do it! Brian liked it though. I’m sure your son would have loved it – you’ll have to go back and take him….

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      March 27, 2016 at 6:50 am

      I’d love to go back and do it with my family!

      Reply
  6. Cathy ( MummyTravels ) says

    March 26, 2016 at 7:24 am

    How fantastic – I did something similar in Lapland and it’s one of my favourite experiences. The sheer joy of the dogs as they run and it does feel just like flying over the snow.
    Cathy ( MummyTravels ) recently posted…On the beach in St Ives, CornwallMy Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      March 26, 2016 at 8:42 am

      It was one of my favourite experiences too – I’d love to go to Lapland and try it there.

      Reply
  7. Zen BabyTravel says

    March 25, 2016 at 8:48 am

    Nice one and definitely agree dog sledding would be more fun with the family ! Missing the snow badly this year…Any good apres skiing in Alpe d’Huez? Greetings from London, sun is out – yay !
    Zen BabyTravel recently posted…Easter in London edition, 40 weeks bump and still itchy feetMy Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      March 25, 2016 at 8:52 pm

      I’m back home in the UK now too. We stayed in a quiet village called Auris-en-Oisans which is really family-friednly and is near to the main resort of Alpe d’Huez. I think there’s a lot of apres ski action in the main resort!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Search site

Follow me!

Email: gretta at mumsdotravel dot com
Follow me on FacebookFollow me on Google+Follow me on TwitterFollow me on InstagramFollow me on YouTubeFollow me on PinterestFollow me on Bloglovin

You'd like posts by email?

Booking.com

Most popular posts:

  • How to pack for an 8 kg luggage allowance
    How to pack for an 8 kg luggage allowance
  • Where to find Mary Poppins film locations in London
    Where to find Mary Poppins film locations in London
  • Thailand with teenagers: a two-week summer itinerary
    Thailand with teenagers: a two-week summer itinerary
  • What to do when your teenager doesn't want to go on your family holiday
    What to do when your teenager doesn't want to go on your family holiday
  • 60 free things to do in London with a teenager
    60 free things to do in London with a teenager
  • 8 great family holidays for football fans
    8 great family holidays for football fans
  • 5-night itinerary for Northern Tunisia
    5-night itinerary for Northern Tunisia
  • How to visit the places in the Winnie-the-Pooh books
    How to visit the places in the Winnie-the-Pooh books
  • What to do when your teen goes travelling
    What to do when your teen goes travelling
  • What to wear for a DofE expedition
    What to wear for a DofE expedition

Recent Posts

  • How to apply for Italian citizenship: everything we’ve done so far
  • How to explore London’s top attractions from home
  • Amsterdam virtual museum & gallery tours
  • Introducing Armchair Travels
  • How to explore Florence, Italy, from home

About

  • About
  • Published in
  • Contact

Disclosure

This is a personal blog written and edited by me, Gretta Schifano. Sometimes I’m given products or sent on trips to review, but I always make this clear and give my honest opinion. See my About page for full details.

Copyright © Mums do travel 2019
Header by Suzanne Barton
Website by
Callia Web

Sign up for my free newsletter:
Subscribe to the Mums do travel mailing list... it's FREE!
You'll receive family travel news, offers and competitions. Once you sign up you can download my tips for saving money on family travel.
Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party.
Sign up for my free newsletter: