Sled dogs in the Alps: 4 places for adventure

Activities
Sport
Unusual

Musher,Hiding,Behind,Sleigh,At,Sled,Dog,Race,On,Snow

Romane

Published on 05/12/2025

The French Alps offer an exceptional playground for winter thrill-seekers. Among the most popular Nordic activities, dog sledding in the Alps offers an authentic experience in the heart of breathtaking snow-covered landscapes. Whether you’re comfortably seated in the sled or at the controls of the team, this adventure promises intense moments of communion with nature and our faithful Nordic companions. Discover four not-to-be-missed destinations for dog sledding in the French Alps.

Discover the tour to Grenoble

An interactive guide

19 fun audioguides

See the route

See also the Grenoble guide :

1. The Alpes d’Isère: the kingdom of the sled dog in the heart of the Vercors mountains

Isère is an ideal destination for dog sledding in the Alps. In the heart of the Vercors massif and the Sept Laux mountains, lovers of Nordic activities will be delighted by the immaculate landscapes that evoke the Far North. Visiting Grenoble is the gateway to these snow-covered territories, the capital of the Alps, ideally situated for travelling to the mountain resorts.

The département offers a number of great places to try your hand at sled dogging. The resort of Chamrousse offers dog sledding lessons at attractive prices, from €40 per child. In Val d’Isère, Evolution 2 organises outings to suit everyone, with packages ranging from €190 for a 2-person sled to €280 for 4 people. These experiences plunge you into the fascinating world of mushing, where you learn the techniques of driving a sled while admiring the snow-capped peaks that surround the valley.

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Grenoble on foot and on your own

Before or after your dog-sledding adventure, take the time to discover Grenoble on the Navaway tour. This 5.8km, 2h20 audio tour takes you on a journey of discovery of the Capital of the Alps, from the Lion and Snake fountain to the Fort de la Bastille, via the Halles Sainte-Claire and the Saint-Laurent district. There are 19 points of interest along the way, revealing the history and secrets of this city nestled between three mountain ranges. The Navaway app guides you intuitively through the streets of Grenoble, giving you complete freedom to explore the city.

The Isère resorts also offer dog sledding in other formats. In the Vercors, at Autrans or Col de Carri, you can enjoy forest walks on specially prepared trails. The Vercors massif is considered to be the cradle of the sled dog in France, giving it a special authenticity. Local mushers carry on a tradition that began decades ago, passing on their passion for these extraordinary Nordic dogs, who become true partners in adventure.

2. The Savoie and Haute-Savoie Alps: sled dog excellence at the foot of Mont Blanc

Husky,Dogs,In,A,Team,Ride,People,On,A,Sleigh.sled

Savoie and Haute-Savoie are exceptional areas for dog sledding in the Alps. Home to some of the most prestigious peaks in the French Alps, these two departments offer a magnificent backdrop for this Nordic activity. The Mont-Blanc massif, the Vanoise and the Bauges form a breathtaking backdrop for your sledging escapades.

Chamonix stands out as one of the top destinations for dog sledding in Haute-Savoie. A number of service providers, including Huskydalen, Evasion Nordique and Les Granges d’Heidi, offer a variety of activities, from introductory lessons to carriage driving. The trails wind through the Chamonix valley, offering breathtaking views of the glaciers and sharp peaks. In winter, when the snow generously covers the coniferous forests, the scenery becomes truly magical.

In the Sixt-Passy nature reserve, you’ll discover an unspoilt environment where the alpine fauna can roam in peace. Dog-sleigh rides are particularly popular here for their authentic, wild character. The mushers will guide you through landscapes where chamois, ibex and golden eagles live side by side. This total immersion in Alpine nature helps you understand the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems.

The Arly valley, between the Beaufortain and Aravis mountain ranges, also offers some magnificent sled dog trails. Resorts such as La Clusaz and Megève offer a wide range of Nordic activities, where dog sledding is a natural fit. The warm atmosphere of Savoyard villages, combined with the beauty of snow-covered landscapes, creates ideal conditions for a memorable experience. Don’t hesitate to extend your stay and explore these authentic valleys, witness to a centuries-old mountain culture.

3. The Drôme Alps: the Vercors, the cradle of sled dogs in France

The Vercors region of the Drôme occupies a special place in the history of dog sledding in France. It was in Vassieux-en-Vercors that the first French mushers developed this discipline in the 1970s. Today, the village still embodies the soul of dog sledding in France, attracting enthusiasts who want to learn about the sport in its native land.

The Vercors Regional Nature Park offers an exceptional setting for dog sledding in the Alps. The vast snow-covered plateaux, forests of hooked pine and secret coombs provide an ideal playground for sled dogs. Local service providers, often established for several generations, offer a variety of packages: from simple introductory lessons for novices to multi-day courses for the most motivated. In Vassieux-en-Vercors, you can also discover the Scandinavian polka, an activity in which a dog pulls a pulka (a kind of sledge) behind which you ski.

Prices in the Vercors are generally affordable, with introductory lessons starting at €7.10 for children and longer outings costing between €75 and €125 per person, depending on duration. This accessibility means that everyone can discover the joys of mushing. The Vercors mushers are renowned for their educational approach and their desire to pass on their passion. They’ll give you a detailed explanation of harnessing, voice commands, dog behaviour and the specific characteristics of each Nordic breed used.

In summer, the Vercors never sleeps: sled dogs are reinvented with cani-hiking and cani-karting. These activities allow you to enjoy the company of Nordic dogs all year round. In cani-karting, a team pulls an all-terrain kart, giving you the same thrills as sledging on snow. Canoe trekking, on the other hand, lets you hike with a dog to help you up the slopes. These summertime alternatives bear witness to the passion of the mushers of the Vercors for their four-legged companions.

4. The Hautes-Alpes: the great Alpine south and its secret valleys for sled dogs

The,Dogs,Sitting,In,High,Mountains,Alps,Austria

The Hautes-Alpes is one of the sunniest destinations for dog sledding in the Alps. This southern département enjoys a drier, brighter climate than the northern Alps, while offering quality snow cover in its high-altitude valleys. The Queyras, Briançonnais and Serre-Chevalier valleys are ideal areas for this Nordic activity.

The Queyras Regional Nature Park stands out for its unspoilt authenticity and its villages full of character. In Abriès, Arvieux and Molins-en-Queyras, a number of facilities offer dog-sledding outings in a wild and unspoilt setting. Azak Mushing, based in Abries, is one of the local favourites. Prices generally range from €80 to €160, depending on the duration and type of service. The routes wind through the larches, offering exceptional views of the peaks, which rise to over 3000 metres.

Serre-Chevalier, one of the largest resorts in the Southern Alps, also offers a wide range of sled dog activities. The nearby Clarée valley is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful valleys in the Alps. Sleigh rides here are particularly popular because of the harmony of the scenery, combining forests, frozen torrents and traditional hamlets. Service providers such as La Tribu Rando and Traîneau Dingo organise outings led by passionate mushers who know their territory inside out.

The Vars-Risoul area, nicknamed “La Forêt Blanche”, offers another remarkable playground. Mush and Co, based in Vars, offers a variety of Nordic activities throughout the winter. The vast snow-covered spaces of this area allow for longer dog sled rides, ideal for those wishing to experience total immersion. The friendly, family atmosphere in these small-scale resorts adds to the charm of the experience.

The Écrins region, with the Champsaur Valgaudemar and Vallouise valleys, completes the Hautes-Alpes offer. These lesser-known areas are a real treasure trove for lovers of authenticity. Local mushers will welcome you to their kennels, introduce you to their dogs and share their daily lives with these outstanding athletes. This close contact with the animals and their masters makes for a much richer sled dog experience in the Alps.

In conclusion, the French Alps offer an exceptional diversity of destinations for dog sledding. Whether you choose Isère and its historic Vercors, Savoie and Haute-Savoie with their legendary peaks, Drôme and its authenticity or the Hautes-Alpes and its generous sunshine, you’re sure to have a memorable adventure. This Nordic activity allows you to discover the Alpine massifs from a different angle, in communion with nature and these extraordinary sled dogs that are just waiting to run through the powder. Don’t hesitate to extend your stay to visit Grenoble and discover the cultural riches of the Capital of the Alps on the Navaway audio tour.

FAQ: everything you need to know about sled dogs in the Alps

When is the best time to go dog-sledding in the Alps?

The ideal season for dog sledding in the Alps is from December to March, when the snow cover is at its best. Some high-altitude resorts such as Val d’Isère and Serre-Chevalier offer outings from November until April, depending on the conditions. In summer, alternatives such as cani-hiking or cani-karting mean you can enjoy Nordic dogs all year round.

How much should you budget for a dog sledding trip in the Alps?

Prices vary according to duration and type of service. You can expect to pay between €40 and €85 for a 30-minute introduction, €75 to €150 for a one-hour ride, and up to €280 for a 4-person family sleigh. Introductory driving courses over several days generally cost between €400 and €800. Children’s rates are often halved.

Is dog sledding in the Alps accessible to beginners?

Absolutely! Most of our services are open to all, with no previous experience necessary. First-time drivers can discover the activity from the comfort of their own sleigh, guided by a professional musher. For the more motivated, there are introductory driving courses, with progressive coaching. Children aged 3-5 and over can usually take part, accompanied by an adult.

Do I need to book in advance for a dog sledding trip?

Booking is highly recommended, and even essential during school holidays and weekends. Service providers have a limited number of carriages and places go quickly, especially in the most popular destinations such as Chamonix and Queyras. Booking one or two weeks in advance guarantees that you will be able to enjoy this activity on the dates you want.

What should you wear when sled dogging in the Alps?

Make sure you have warm clothes suitable for the mountains: ski suit or waterproof trousers and jacket, thermal underwear, warm gloves, hat and snow boots. A scarf or neck warmer provides effective protection from the wind. Providers sometimes supply overboots or wetsuits for extreme cold. Don’t forget sun cream and sunglasses, essential at altitude even in cold weather.

200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world

Download