Dog sledding in Italy: 6 destinations for excursions with sled dogs

Sliding along the snow aboard a dog sled is an increasingly popular activity in Italy. One of the points of reference in Lombardy is most certainly the Centro Italiano Sleddog Husky Village, one of the most important husky training and breeding centers in Lombardy.

The Husky Village of Arnoga in Valdidentro, a stone's throw from Bormio and Livigno, will let you experience the thrill of driving a sled pulled by huskies along a 5-kilometer snow-covered route to discover the magic of Valtellina.

Another excellent option in Lombardy is Huskyland, the Italian Sleddog School of Ponte di Legno which offers introductory excursions ideal for children but also multi-day courses for a truly engaging experience.

Those looking for an experience with sled dogs in Trentino can start in Madonna di Campiglio, where the Athabaska agritourism farm boasts twenty years of experience with sled dogs and organizes various activities in the Piana di Nambino including courses, walks and excursions. Those who don't feel like being in charge can enjoy the view while sitting comfortably on the sled while the “musher” sled driver takes care of everything.

A dog sledding experience in Madonna di Campiglio is unique, just like one that you could experience in Alpe di Coe thanks to the Folgaria Sleddog Center, managed by the Windshot kennel. There too, children can approach this sport on specific dedicated days, but also adults can enjoy adrenaline-pumping experiences in the snow with 3 or 4 dogs on each sled.

In the heart of the wonderful Sestriere, between Val Chisone and Valle di Susa, you can get to know the lively Siberian Huskies who have been the stars of The Husky Experience since 1995, a true paradise for dog sledding in Sestriere. The track where you can enjoy the thrill of leading sled dogs in Sestriere winds through wooded and open areas from which you can enjoy unique views dominated by the peaks of Monte Chaberton and the Monti della Luna.

The excursions are suitable for the whole family, but those looking for a particularly special experience can also choose The Husky Experience for hen or stag parties, original marriage proposals and team building experiences in the snow.

If you want to experience the thrill of a dog sled in Valle d'Aosta you can start with DogSledMan and the 30 huskies ready to accompany you on your dog sledding experience in Courmayeur: two routes immersed in the wild nature of Val Veny and excursions ranging from 90 minutes to 3 hours depending on the number of participants.

If, on the other hand, you want to experience dog sledding in Cervinia, you can rely on the expert guides of The Husky Experience. The dog sledding route in Cervinia is a mostly flat 3-kilometer track, specifically designed to be suitable for even the youngest and most inexperienced sled drivers.

Why not discover the beautiful snowy landscapes of Friuli-Venezia Giulia on a sled pulled by Siberian huskies? The international Mushing Sleddog school in Tarvisio organizes dog sledding excursions and courses in the Tarvisio forest, the Fusine plain and the Julian Prealps Park for all ages. Lessons can be for individuals or groups, but in any case cuddles and biscuits for dogs are guaranteed after each excursion. Those who’d rather avoid sledding with the huskies, could take part in excursions on foot or choose a guided tour of the kennel to learn more about the work of mushers Ararad Khatchikian and Monica D'Eliso, the two instructors of the school.

Those who choose Cortina d'Ampezzo for their snow holidays, or even just for a relaxing weekend in the Dolomites, can indulge in a few hours of exploration in the company of the huskies of the Tarvisio International Mushing Sleddog School, which has been offering its services also in Cortina d'Ampezzo for some time.

The venue for dog sledding in Cortina is the Piana di Fiames, but to enjoy the experience of a dog sled you need to book in advance: courses and excursions are organized every Saturday and on weekdays from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 16:00 in December, but only if the minimum number of participants is reached.