Husky Sledding in Val Thorens

A 30minute trip costs 36 euros for an adult and 26 euros for children aged 3-12years old. Booking is made via the Tourist Office. It gets booked up quickly so it is advisable to book on a Saturday when bookings are taken for the following week.

There are five trips made per day but as they only take around four people per trip (two adults and two children depending on weight) it can obviously get booked up quickly.

To arrive at the meeting point you need to take a short walk following the signs on the track below the Cochet car park/bus stop. The information provided advises a 30 minute walk but I would say it takes around half of that time depending on ability and whether you are walking with little ones with little legs! The track is pisted so you can wear normal walking shoes and don’t need snowshoes.

Remember to take your booking information slip to confirm your trip with the guide at the meeting point. He will settle you into the sled and there is a loose cover so you don’t need ski wear. I attended at 2pm which was apparently the quickest run of the day (2pm). After a rapid start though don’t fret, it’s not a speedy trip. The dogs trot along a walking track and after 15mins there’s a short break for the dogs and a photo stop for the passengers, then you return.

This is definitely a family type activity, if I’m totally honest I wasn’t blown away, however, I figured their target market is perhaps not an early 30’s female taking part by herself! When we got back to the meeting point there were some very excited faces of two children snuggled up in their onesies and that for me summed it up, a recommended family experience. Perhaps also suitable for a couple but don’t expect much romance, there’s a geezer stood behind you and they may need to do a quick stop if the chiens ‘faire caca’!

Also don’t be disappointed to not see actually husky dogs. The guide informed me that only around 20% of husky rides involve husky dogs. These type of dogs prefer to explore new territory and are not suited to day in day out trips. Instead the dog sled in St Martin had five dogs, the best runner being an alaskan husky which is a faster runner leading the pack and similar to a greyhound. The guide also informed me that of the five dogs four were female as they are harder workers! You get a great view down the Belleville valley and the route is great to explore some territory away from the slopes. So if you want to add something different to your ski holiday then give it a go.