Sled dog rides are an unforgettable experience combining nature, adventure, and a bond with dogs passionate about their work. In Haute-Savoie, several beautiful places allow you to enjoy this Nordic activity, surrounded by the magnificent landscapes of the Alps. Discover here the best locations to practice this activity, tips for a successful experience, and a selection of professional providers.
Some of the best places for a sled dog ride
1. Plateau des Glières
The Plateau des Glières, known for its history and natural beauty, is a popular spot for sled dog rides. With its vast snowy expanses and tranquility, it is an ideal destination for an immersive experience.
- Recommended provider: D’Oumiak Aventures offers introductory sled rides and driving initiations.
D’Oumiak Aventures website.
2. La Clusaz
La Clusaz provides an enchanting setting with its forests and snowy plateaus. The Confins area is particularly suited for sled rides.
- Recommended provider: Local mushers, accessible through the tourist office or in our list below.
3. Chamonix and the Arve Valley
Enjoy panoramas of Mont-Blanc while gliding through picturesque trails by sled.
- Recommended provider: Évasion Nordique, offering tailor-made hikes.
Learn more about Évasion Nordique.
4. Les Carroz d’Arâches and Flaine
These stations in the Grand Massif offer varied routes for unforgettable rides, suitable for families.
- Recommended provider: Évasion Nordique also organizes activities in this region.
5. Megève
In this elegant resort, combine sled dog rides with a gourmet moment in the great outdoors.
- Recommended provider: Inquire with local mushers via the Megève tourist office or in our list below.
Our practical tips for your sled dog ride
- Book well in advance: Sled rides are very popular, especially during school holidays. Contact providers as soon as possible.
- Dress warmly: Plan suitable clothing: ski pants, waterproof jacket, gloves, and winter shoes to stay warm and dry.
- Adapt the activity according to your desires and physical capacities: a driving initiation will be more physically demanding than a simple introductory ride, keep this in mind!
- Introductory sled ride: Ideal for a first discovery, you will be a passenger in the sled.
- Driving initiation: Learn to guide the team under the supervision of a professional musher.
- Respect the dogs and their work: The dogs are trained athletes. Ask the musher before petting them and let them concentrate on their run.
- Come without your pet: Cohabitation with other dogs can be very delicate, so come without your animal, even on a leash. Most providers will refuse them.
Some photos
Our selection of providers in Haute-Savoie
- D’Oumiak Aventures (Plateau des Glières): Offers authentic rides and driving workshops. Website
- Évasion Nordique (Chamonix, Les Carroz, Flaine): Various offers: introductory rides, driving, and cani-hiking. Learn more
- Les Granges de Heidi (Plaine Joux, Flaine): Organizes comfortable rides in idyllic settings. Introductory ride, 1-hour package including dog presentation, musher and activity presentation, 4km (20-30min) sled ride, time to interact with the dogs, photos, petting. See their website
- A Ton Étoile (La Chapelle d’Abondance): Offers outings suitable for all ages, as well as kennel visits. Official website
- La patte Nordic (Les Gets, Avoriaz): Offers sled dog baptisms for children as well as adults. See the website
- L’Aventure Polaire (Praz de Lys Sommand): Comfortably seated in the sled, discover differently the plateaus of Praz de Lys and Sommand, accompanied by Thierry and Véronique, experienced and passionate mushers! See their website
- Les Traîneaux de l’Ubac (Sommand): Enjoy the mushing experience while being comfortably seated in a sled driven by Ludo and pulled by his amazing pack of Huskys. 45-minute baptisms in the company of 8 to 10 Huskys through the Sommand resort. See the website
- L’Aventure en traineau (Avoriaz, Abondance): Initiation to driving a sled dog team. This activity is aimed at a very athletic public and takes place on steep terrain. See their website
- Nordic Sled Dogs (La Clusaz): Offers various outings suitable for all ages, including night baptisms. See the website
Final word
Haute-Savoie is an exceptional territory to discover the magic of sled dog rides. Whether for a baptism, an initiation, or a long trek, local providers will make you live a unique moment in breathtaking snowy landscapes. So, ready to embark?
