Musher

So named because sled drivers are always shouting ‘mush' (originally mush on - perhaps derived from the French ‘marchons', meaning let's go) to spur on their dogs. Mushers use only their voices to control their teams, especially the lead dog, which ensures the rest of the team follows the musher's orders. Mushers work very closely with their dogs, sharing the effort of driving and steering the sled.

Sled dogs have their own particular physiology, so they need specific food and care. Becoming a musher is not easy and before being able to share the thrill of racing across the snow-covered landscape, a musher must spend many long hours with his dogs. For many mushers, dog sledding is much more than a pastime, it is a way of life.

Professional mushers can obtain a qualification allowing them to guide newcomers to the sport (website in French only)

Sled dogs

The dogs are the true stars! Worthy descendents of wolves, they like living in packs.

A dog team is a self-contained world with its own codes and rules. It is built round a social hierarchy, with dominant and subservient dogs, and an undisputed leader. Sled dogs are social, loyal and faithful companions but they will also fight amongst themselves, so they require strict training.

A team has at least two dogs, although most teams consist of between four and twelve dogs, each with its specific place and role.

From leisure outings to multi-day expeditions

Whether you want to learn to drive a dog team, or whether you want to enjoy a trapper evening with your family, dog sledding has something for everyone. (It is advisable to book your outing as soon as you get to your resort).

For the more active, a range of half-day, full-day and multi-day outings are available, as are a range of training courses.

NB. Dog sledding is much more than being pulled along by a dog team. A musher must push, pull, run, bend and jump in order to help his/her team - it is a very physical activity and a sport in its own right.

For information about the resorts in Savoie Mont Blanc that offer this activity, click here.

The event of winter 2009-2010

The Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc, from 10th to 20th January 2010

1000 km of frozen wilderness, 250 exceptional dogs and 20 mushers from 14 countries - these are the ingredients of a spectacular race linking 23 resorts in Savoie and Haute-Savoie.
Recognised today as one of the greatest international dog-sled races, the 5th edition of the Savoie Mont Blanc Grande Odyssée will bring together the world's best mushers on a magical course between the Portes du Soleil, Megève, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe and Haute-Maurienne Vanoise.

A fascinating spectacle for all, but also two weeks of festivities with numerous events being held in the 23 resorts and villages of Savoie Mont Blanc.

Everyone is warmly invited to share the traditional values of harmony and respect for the environment that the Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc epitomises.

Information, a detailed programme and descriptions of all the stages are available from the Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc official website.

Updated in October 2009