First emotions
On the heights of Serre-Ponçon, at the gateway to the larch forest, the soft, cold snow sparkles in the sunshine. Rémi and his sled dogs, Hundra, Hermine, Togo, Bart, Plume, Pita, Oaki, Gandhi and Paco, cheerfully welcome you. There are eight of them, harnessed in tandem on the draft line. They're Siberian Huskies, slender and speedy, and Greenlanders, tall and sturdy, able to pull heavy loads. A little intimidated, they exude so much energy! Your daughter calls them: "Plume, Hermine, Bart..." then emboldens herself and plunges her fingers into the thick fur, astonished by Hundra's minnow eyes (one blue, one brown).
Impatient sled dogs
They're so eager to get to work, you're overcome by their overexcitement, a shiver runs through you, but fortunately the anchor keeps the sled at a standstill. They're barking, jumping up and down, ready to take off in a frantic race.
Settling into the sleigh
The sled is made of ash, a very soft wood that absorbs shocks. You sit on a small cushion, with your back against the backrest, then your daughter sits between your legs, and so it goes, in single file, from the biggest to the smallest, snugly wrapped up, protected by the blanket and tarpaulin. Rémi explains that this sled is suitable for all types of public, from the very young (2 years old) to the very old, and even for people with disabilities (motor or mental), ensuring comfort from start to finish.
First sensations: ground-level gliding, snow-covered trees, the musher's voice
After the bark and excitement of departure, the silence of this great natural space is broken only by the crunch of skates on snow, the panting breath of dogs in exertion, and the reassuring, encouraging voice of the musher. Amazed, you surrender to the fleeting but real impression of being far from civilization, of experiencing the call of the forest, like courageous trappers with their sled dogs.
The climb to the belvedere
Rémi encourages his dogs "en avant!" and congratulates them "bien, bien". The ride is a physical one for the musher, more often than not pushing the sled to help the team than letting himself be carried! He's got his shirt all wet!
Suddenly, at the bend in the path, you catch a glimpse of a deer, slender and elegant, its freckles standing out against the immaculate snow... it takes your breath away! Then, just as suddenly, it disappears in a flash. Your daughter is radiant, you're savoring the moment, and a bond is forming between you and her.
Galvanized by the presence of game, the dogs accelerate and the lookout appears.
The herbal tea that goes well
After the climb, the dogs love a break. Like a magician, your musher takes out a thermos and serves you a delicious, fragrant, hot infusion. What a panorama! What landscapes! The Durance valley and the mountains from Morgon to Les Orres, then in the distance the Ecrins massif and the Queyras. Rémi takes you on a journey through geology, history, culture, botany, wildlife... the life experience of a passionate and captivating musher!
Downhill speed Yahoouuu!!!!
And off we go again, exhilarated by a tremendous feeling of freedom, you feel a rush of adrenalin, your heart beating wildly. It's great, it feels so good! You're climbing at 35 or even 40km/h, and far from being passive, you feel gravity, the exhilarating sensation of speed, the skids in the bends. Your daughter's cries of joy fuel the dogs' enthusiasm.
A visit to the kennels and a surprise!
It's time for your reward, caresses galore!
Rémi takes you into the intimacy of pack life by inviting you into the kennel, which comprises several enclosures, a playpen, wooden kennels and a shelter for equipment and food.
What luck, to discover a litter of "little wolves" snuggled up between their mother's paws. The dogs also have the right to retire, the mushers bring back new blood by exchanging dogs and surprise, a new young bitch was pregnant.
An unforgettable adventure
Happy to have shared this special moment with the musher and his dogs, intoxicated by speed and wide-open spaces, you'll be fulfilled. An unforgettable adventure, without excess or flashiness, nothing but the real thing on a scale of beauty...
All these emotions have left their mark on you, and it's hard to leave this magical place. A few hundred meters from the kennels, the south-facing terrace of the Gîte de la Draye invites you to indulge in Luc's gustatory specialties based on local produce.
Our favorite: a delicious alternative to mulled wine, warm beer!
Practical info :
In winter: sled dogs from €30 to €80 per person, depending on your age and the length of your outing.
From spring to autumn: cani-rando and cani-kart on a wide choice of itineraries and services
You can discover sled dogs with Rémi at Nunatak Chiens de Traîneau in the Domaine de La Draye on the heights of Crots, as well as in our other ski resorts:
- At Wild Expériences with Morgan in Crévoux
- With La Tribu Rando in Réallon
