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
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
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 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
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.
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.
That sounds wonderful – I’d love to do it again, with my family.
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 Bourne
It’s an amazing thing to do – your kids would love it!
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!
I really hope that you get to do it, I think that you’ll all love it!
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.
Thanks Nichola – it’s just a fab experience, isn’t it!
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….
I’d love to go back and do it with my family!
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, Cornwall
It was one of my favourite experiences too – I’d love to go to Lapland and try it there.
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 feet
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!