Dog sledding: the magic of the great outdoors on your doorstep
Looking for nature and wild, untouched landscapes?
Discover the sled dog activities on offer at Serre Chevalier & Briançon and experience incomparable sensations in the heart of the white immensity.
Where did sled dogs originate?
It's hard to date the appearance of sled dogs, but it seems to date back to some 6000 BC. Used by the Inuit since the year 1000, sled dogs were employed as a means of locomotion. Once harnessed, they were used to pull heavy loads, particularly during migrations, and for hunting. Siberian peoples are also said to have used sled dogs for ages. Europeans discovered them later, around the 17th century. Over the next two centuries, polar exploration and the Gold Rush intensified the use of dog teams. It wasn't until the 20th century that the activity became a leisure activity and a competitive sport.
While we have little information on the early days, we do know that certain practices became established over time:
- Dogs are classified into different categories: lead, point, center and bar;
- Dogs and humans form close-knit teams;
- All dogs, especially the lead dogs, obey the musher.
But what does "musher" mean? The musher is the person in charge of the dog team. It's so called because French-Canadian handlers used to shout "marche" ("walk") to drive their dogs forward. The British, unfamiliar with the language of Molière, understood "mush". That's why today we speak of "musher" and "mushing" when referring to sled dogs.
The introduction to driving a dog sled will allow you to become a dog sled driver for 1 hour, including 45 minutes of sledding, or for...
Comfortably seated in the sled guided by the Musher, discover a Nordic activity in the middle of snowy landscapes.
Dog sledding today: an activity for everyone
A nature activity par excellence, a dog sled ride takes you on a journey of discovery through winter landscapes of powerful beauty, in the heart of a preserved and peaceful environment. A gentle glide with a Nordic feel, it's enhanced by the presence of the dogs. Depending on the area, these can be Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, Laikas... All are magnificent, sociable and attentive to their master's needs. Children love them and want more!
If you take up this activity as a family, you'll not only rediscover your childlike spirit and the spirit of the trappers, but you'll also see the joy shining in your children's eyes! A real bond with the dogs will develop.
A word of advice: to make the most of your outing, bring warm clothing. Cover your head and hands, and don't forget your waterproof shoes.
Dog sledding in Serre Chevalier & Briançon
The breathtaking scenery of the Serre Chevalier valley lends itself perfectly to dog sledding. The great outdoors is yours!
This activity is available in a variety of packages, always supervised by a team of experienced professionals. For example, you could opt for :
- Cani Balade nordique: the pleasure of Nordic walking with dog traction;
- Baptism: the joys of a comfortable walk;
- Cani Rando: discover the trails, securely harnessed to a dog;
- Cani Kart: a ride on a wheeled kart pulled by the dogs + time spent with the pack;
- Introduction to driving: gentle learning to slip into the explorer's shoes?
The possibilities are endless, and are an enchanting way to discover the mountains in a different way.
So, are you ready for an extraordinary Nordic adventure worthy of the Great North? We're off!
Dog sledding is a wonderful way to venture into the winter world of the mountains, and discover the joys of a 100% natural activity.
Reservations strongly recommended!