Skiing with your dog
You go in winter sports holidays with your dog ? And if you test skiing with your dog ? Skijoring, ski touring, downhill skiing, skating… and all that with your dog. Yes, yes skiing with your dog is possible! To prove it to you, I interviewed a duo Trop W'ouf which comes straight from the Aravis massif, in the Alps!
They are Estelle and Yeti. These two mountain lovers do not let go of a sole or a pad (hihi) and practice several winter sports that are really too great to share with your dog. At the same time, they practice cani-MTB and canicross, but their love remains winter sports. Today, they are going to tell us about their experiences as skiers 🙂 Let's follow our athletes and discover the happiness of being able to ski with your dog. Watch out, they go fast! All schussss….. 🙂
Estelle, it's up to you 🙂
Estelle and her malamute
Before telling you about skiing with a dog, an introduction is in order 🙂
Yeti is a real wolf, he likes to sleep outside, doesn't ask for too many cuddles, silent and passive haha… He's a very endearing and very loyal dog! I saw him metamorphose as our story progressed… he learned to trust me and understood that I would never abandon him! His biggest flaw: stubborn (a real head of mule, especially if you want to get something from him by force). His greatest quality: his warm fur?! And I'm not talking about his permanent smile!
For more details on our history, take a look at our portrait Wow Good. I tell you everything 🙂
Skiing with your dog
I have been skiing since I was 3 years old. I grew up at the foot of the ski slopes. My family is ski touring and as soon as I could, I did too. At 18, I was already leaving alone with my skins in search of solitude on the peaks, aha! By adopting Yeti, it was out of the question for me to stop my activities, so he follows me everywhere! And he loves it!
I started with small outings to check its behavior and adapt mine as well. And as we went out, we both became experts! During our ski sessions, I start to climb slowly but Yéti is flat out at the beginning so he tows me! Then it calms down and regulates itself. We take a few small breaks to drink and a real break at the top with a small snack and of course souvenir photos for fun! Eh yihaaa the descent!
Where to ski with your dog
Before going on ski touring with my dog, I look a lot at ski tour. It's a forum specializing in ski touring where skiers come to share their experiences on such and such summits, outings… I also make great use of my solid knowledge of summits! I have a vermeil arrow level on the track. From a very young age, I followed my family off-piste. I am as comfortable on the groomed slope as on the bumps or the powder (well concerning the crusty snow, that's another story isn't it!…). I must admit that for several years the track has been boring me... I prefer to go for the powder snow than the edges of the slopes...
Now that ski touring has experienced enormous growth and is no longer reserved for experienced mountaineers, most resorts offer “marked” ski touring trails to be able to ascend and descend in complete safety! Which is good news :). In ski touring, I prefer to be accompanied for safety reasons.
However, for ski-joering, cross-country skiing towed by a dog, it is generally very complicated… most resorts refuse the presence of dogs so as not to damage the track (which is quite normal). I had found an arrangement with the manager of a station who accepted me with my dog (a big thank you to him!) at sunset when the slopes were closed and before grooming them. It allowed me to make some nice outings.
The essential equipment for your dog
To choose the right equipment for my dog, I looked on the internet. Leash with spring, pulling harness, cushioning belt … I have several models… Yeti, my dog, has his own little wardrobe, aha! He also has a harness with saddlebags which is very practical because he can carry some of his water. Yeti is a real Sherpa with his pack bag for dog. As for a dog coat, Yeti, who is an Alaskan Malamute is THE naturally equipped dog! He doesn't need to cover up.
However, I check his pads after each ride…so far nothing to report. And the veterinarian gives us the green light every year! For the moment, Yéti is in full force of age and follows with pleasure. I will be more vigilant in a few years by adapting my outings.
Sophie and Musher: “Snow and anti-freeze products are very irritating to your dog's paws. With Musher, we use the fortifying pad Solipat. It will help protect your dog's pads.”
Skiing: a sport for all dogs?
For my part, I think that this sport is not made for all dogs. The dog must have regular training, be resistant and enduring... You are not going to ask your friend who does not like running to come and do a marathon with you. It's the same for your dog! Going up in the powder and running behind you on the descent is a very intense effort for him.
Tips for skiing with your dog
Before plunging headlong into this sport, I think there are some basic rules to follow. In particular, the fact that your dog knows his right and his left. Yéti knows them well, which is rather practical for traction sports !
Then you have to know EVERYTHING about safety and ALWAYS have the safety equipment on you! Check the weather carefully, choose the orientation of the slope, do not ski in the middle of the afternoon in the heat... Always let someone know you are going out so that someone can call the emergency services if they don't see you. not go back.
The anecdote of Estelle and Yéti
I start with the worst memory to end on a good note. Yéti got lost during a ski touring outing. This time, it was snowing hard and it was a white day. As we were downhill and untied him, I couldn't find him when I stopped to see if he was following. I looked for him everywhere and night was beginning to fall… He ended up coming back; even he had been scared! A word of advice: put a bell on the collar, if you can't see it, at least you'll hear it!
Now a funnier anecdote: there was a lot of snow and attracted by the fresh snow, I left before sunrise to be alone. On the descent, Yeti struggled because he was sinking into the powder and couldn't go fast. I only saw his ears sticking out! I got tired of waiting for him and seeing him struggle so much so I carried him on my back to finish the descent! Too bad this scene couldn't be filmed...
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Oh yes, too bad Estelle! I would have loved to see you skiing with a malamute on your shoulders: p I hope this article has made you want to go skiing with your dog, but you will have understood: be careful! Ski touring with your dog is a sport you have to be prepared for. You must be sure of your skiing level, your dog's abilities and know the mountain and its dangers well. Be aware of your limits and those of your dog so that you never foolishly put yourself in danger.
Thanks again to Estelle and Yéti for this lovely information and this wonderful article 🙂 You can find this magnificent duo on their Instagram page “ichoosethemoutain“, a real feast for the eyes. You will see, their photos are breathtaking!
Last thing: are you looking for a ski resort for your winter holidays? Take a look at these articles: Winter sports holidays with my dog ; Top 10 “pet friendly” rentals Special Alps in winter ; This winter go to the Pyrenees with your dog. Psssssst: other articles dedicated to French resorts to test with your dog are coming very soon on the Mag' of EmmèneTonChien.com ! Stay connected and listen and listen!
In the meantime, for more info, holiday advice and dog-friendly tips, follow EmmèneTonChien.com on our facebook page et our instagram account : )