Canicross: discovering an activity with bite!

At Pointe de Sel, as you know, we love activities that combine family sharing with harmony with nature. And it turns out we had the joy of trying canicross this summer, pulled by « Wok », our cheeky 2-year-old canine companion of the day. Between the sporty side, the discovery of the mountains and the bond with the animal, this activity certainly has bite!

We invite you to meet Mathias Bernal, musher and manager of « Hors Trace Aventure » in La Plagne in Savoie. Mathias and his wife Madeleine share the secrets of their very special craft and of this discipline not to be missed.

Here we are at the kennel in La Plagne Montalbert. Mathias, can you tell us how life is organised here?

The kennel has around a hundred dogs, of which 65 are active. Among the remaining 35, there are the puppies and the dogs that are still too small to work, on one hand, and the « grandpas and grannies » too old to be involved in our activities, on the other – though we sometimes take some on outings, because even though they are a bit tired, you can tell it makes them happy!

The dogs are of the Greenland breed – they are nordic dogs, powerful (they weigh between 35 and 45 kg) and rustic. Some are crossed with hunting dogs.

In winter, the dogs are harnessed for the sleds or the introduction-to-mushing sessions. Dog-sled rides are contemplative and very popular with families with children. The dogs enjoy the fairly sporty route on the Dou du Praz plateau in La Plagne.

Just like us, the dogs need rest when the end of the season arrives in the spring.

In summer, it is time for canicross and dog karting, and in autumn, we have to train them so they are in shape to start winter again in good physical conditions.

Can you explain how you train your dogs in all the disciplines you mention?

To start working an animal, you have to wait until it is “finished” physically, that is, until it has fully finished growing in size and weight, generally around 12 or 14 months. They always start with sled work, which disciplines them and channels their energy, before they go on to solo activities like canicross.

For these dogs, pulling is a pleasure – it is their predatory instinct that guides them.

Canicross – what is it more precisely?

Canicross is an active walk with a dog to which you are connected via a shock-absorbing line linking a belt to the dog’s harness (the same as those used in winter to pull the sled). On the way up, the dog helps us climb the slope. On the way down, on the contrary, you have to hold it back by bracing yourself and having solid footing.

Canicross is a very family-oriented and sporty discipline, with the added bonus of discovering the mountain environment we are in and bonding with the animal. It can be practised from age 5, if the child is willing to walk. At that point, the child is connected to the dog with an adult, of course. The child’s line is longer than the adult’s so that the impacts are absorbed by the adult.

Canicross has existed for around twenty years, since sled dogs have existed. It lets the dogs work when there is no snow and lets us offer an activity with them throughout the year.

Pointe de Sel customer families have tried it and loved it!

Want to learn more or try canicross?

Discover our all-inclusive family summer stays and follow us on Pointe de Sel’s Instagram!

Pointe de Sel arranges your mountain stay according to your wishes, with accommodation in a fully private premium chalet, in-chalet dining and pre-booked activities. Set off with peace of mind – we take care of everything.

The benefits of an all-inclusive luxury chalet stay

An all-inclusive stay in a luxury chalet in Savoie is an excellent choice for those looking to live a dream holiday experience, combining the discovery of activities like canicross, with exceptional amenities, an ideal location and the flexibility of a tailor-made service.

Pointe de Sel’s ambition is to offer you unforgettable holidays. Get in touch to find your ideal chalet stay for your family holidays in Savoie.