Skip to main content

This content featured in News & Reviews

Val d'Isere to Introduce Cat Sledding next winter

Move over huskies, the Norwegian forest cats are coming to town!

Imprint
By Ellie Mahoney, Updated

Husky dog rides are one of the most popular winter activities to do in Val d'Isere each winter with people lining up to get a chance to drive a dog team with a sleigh.

Since this winter activity is so popular, and also on the back of the video of Jesper the cat (below) going viral, the powers that be in Val d'Isere came up with the idea that teams of Norwegian forest cats could increase the number of sledding trips they can offer each season.

These large and powerful cats are used to cold conditions, having been bred for their thick winter coats and resistance to the cold winters in Norway. The are much bigger in size than normal household cats (12-20 pounds or 5-10 kgs) with strong paws and claws, making them the perfect animal to pull a single person sled. It's anticipated that it would take a team of 10 cats to pull a sled.

The breed has been described as 'dog-like' and they have a strong need to be active, making them the perfect addition to next season's winter offer in Val d'Isere.

Watch this

Latest News & Reviews

Find out what's happening in Val d'Isère and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and things to do, see and experience in the region. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts, all in the same place.

See allLatest News & Reviews
Latest gear - best new clothing for spring 2019
Latest gear - Mountain running equipment for 2019
Latest gear - Camping equipment for summer 2019
a mountain biker jumping in the air
Night Skiing in Val Thorens

Upcoming Events

Val d'Isère hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. There are constant ski racing competitions throughout the winter, as well as the much anticipated La Scara youth event each April. In the summer, the resort plays home to some major trail running events such as the High Trail Vanoise in July, with Tour de France stages often passing nearby in July.

See allUpcoming Events
Fete de la Musique, Cannes
trail running in val disere
An image of a firework display
Stalls at the Avaline Savoyard fair in Val d'Isere
A glass of red wine being poured from a wine bottle