For many of us, our dog is a pivotal member of the family and someone we simply could not leave behind at holiday time, no matter how good a dog minder you may have found (perhaps one as good as Dogpanion, the boutique dog hotel that I used to run back in Bristol years ago).
But there is great news dogs! Val d’Isere is as much a natural paradise for you guys as it for your wonderful humans, and we love to have you.
During the winter season when the entire area is blanketed in white, our woods and trails that run in and around them are a magical mystery tour for you to explore with your beloved dogs as a whole family. Highlights like the ‘Ewok Village’ (not its real name) and ‘Treetop Adventureland’ can be a nice destination to aim for, as you enjoy the sights and sounds on the route.
In addition to this the local legends who pilot our fleet of ‘Pisten Bullies’ all over the mountain every night also comb the main routes to and from le Manchet, la Daille from Petit Alaska, Laissanant to Pont St Charles and Cret to la Daille. All of which gives many kilometres of wide and easily walkable groomies to wander along. Most of this time the dogs can safely be walked with off lead, owing to the remote locations and the walls of snow that line these pathways. Magical both in daylight and after dark, those four legs will get a proper stretch.
Once everyone has had plenty of fresh alpine air and attention shifts to possible refreshment, there are plenty of ‘dog friendly’ establishments for you to frequent, here are a selection.
Another nice option is to take the Solaise cabin as a pedestrian (dogs allowed) and travel up to an altitude of roughly 2500 metres, where you can enjoy a wander around ‘Lac l’Ouillette. Again you’ll find a nice restaurant with outdoor seating options right on the banks of the lake to soak in the winter sun and views, and if the walk back up to the cable leaves you thirsty you could visit Refuge de Solaise, the resort and Europe’s highest hotel, built on the site of the original ski lift station house.
When the snow begins to melt in June, ‘Parc Nationale de la Vanoise’ reveals hundreds of kilometres of trail to run or hike around. So whether you like to trail run with your dog, or hike as a family you will find endless mapped routes that will take you up beyond 3000 metres. On the journey you will see mountain lakes, glacial waterfalls, snow capped peaks and breathtaking skylines across the entire French and Italian Alps.
Lift service to some of these areas can be found during the months of July and August, when they open for use by the mountain bikers among us.
Whether you are looking to buy here or rent a property for a family trip, you can look forward to holidaying with the family pet. What’s more, there are specific companies who offer care and walking services while you ski for as many hours as you desire. Happy in the knowledge that your four legged friend is enjoying their day as much as you are.
‘Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.’
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