Travel book · Alpes du Sud

Dog sledding in Vars: three operators, three formats

By the AEC Collection team Updated on 28 May 2026 3 min read

Seven o’clock in the morning, Forêt Blanche car park, Vars Sainte-Marie. The teams wait. Eight dogs harnessed per sledge, mixed northern breeds, Alaskan husky, malamute, Greenland Esquimau, occasionally a large Leonberger from the north. The musher adjusts the lines, checks the booties. Then he releases the brake and the team sets off at a trot, in rare silence: these dogs do not bark whilst running.

Dog sledding has established itself in Vars as one of the three or four most sought-after non-skiing activities. Local operators offer three formats: a 30-minute initiation, a 1.5-hour trek on the heights of Sainte-Catherine, or a half-day expedition with a stop at the Pra-Reboul refuge.

The team and the musher

A standard sledge carries two passengers (one adult and one child, or two adults closely spaced). The musher remains standing at the rear, on the runners. Control relies on voice commands: “Hike” to start, “Gee” for right, “Haw” for left, “Whoa” to stop. The lead team dogs (generally two leaders positioned at the front) know the course and anticipate turns.

Cruising speed ranges from 15 to 25km/h on flat terrain, slower uphill, up to 35km/h downhill. An hour of trotting is less tiring than one might imagine; racing huskies can pull 100km per day on the Iditarod in Alaska. On the heights of Vars, they undertake outings of 5 to 15km.

Operators in Vars

Three professional mushers work in season at Vars. The kennels are located on the heights of Sainte-Marie and Sainte-Catherine, in immediate proximity to the departure points. Each team comprises 30 to 50 dogs and is composed according to the conditions of the day: young dogs for short treks, experienced teams for longer outings.

The 30-minute initiation allows for an accompanied circuit, with a non-beginner passenger. The 1.5-hour trek crosses the Bois des Escondus with a stop offering views over Pic de Chabrières. The half-day reaches the Pra-Reboul refuge (lunch included, return by sledge).

What to wear

The sledge is stationary for the passenger. Warm clothing, nothing light. The musher generally provides a fleece blanket for the feet. Allow for three layers: technical base layer, fleece, ski jacket. Thick gloves, hat, sunglasses or goggles (the snow stirred up by the dogs can dazzle). A thermos of hot drink for the breaks.

Practical information

Advance booking recommended, especially during school holidays. Operators work only in favourable weather: no outings in storms, visibility below 50 metres, or temperatures above 5°C (which overtires the dogs). Cancellation due to weather: full refund or rescheduling.

Season: 15 December to 15 April, sometimes until 30 April depending on snowfall. In low season (before Christmas, after Easter), outings are possible but rare.