The ski harness or ski joëring is a sport discipline combining ski with an equestrian team. With no other effort than to guide your horse, you slip into our beautiful landscapes, from 45 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes.
One hour strolls in sleigh are perfect for animal and nature lovers.
Ski joëring, also known as horse skiing, is a winter sport where you move forwards thanks to a horse or pony pulling you along. You keep your skis on and control your balance, direction and braking while the horse provides the power.
This pulled-skiing experience asks you to coordinate your posture with the horse’s pace. The introductory outing helps you get to grips with the basics step by step, while technical exercises let you work on turns, slalom and stability. Depending on how you feel, you can start at a trot and build up to a canter, following the instructor’s guidance.
This activity is mainly enjoyed in the morning, when snow conditions are at their best. For the horses to move more easily without sinking too deeply, the snow needs to be firm enough. That is why outings are usually scheduled early in the day, when the snow is generally harder underfoot.The 2.5-hour option includes preparing the horses and learning how to handle the kit independently. This time spent with the animal helps you build a bond with it, while also giving you a better understanding of its behaviour and the movements needed during the session.
Each session begins with a welcome and a safety briefing. The instructor introduces the harnessed horse, the specialist equipment and the movements needed to steer, while taking your previous equestrian experience into account. You then set off on a route suited to your level.
Welcome and kit: checking your suitable clothing, skis and ski boots, and providing a helmet.
Instructions: introducing the tow bar, the correct position to adopt and the safety manoeuvres.
Introductory ride: setting off behind the horse with an instructor following on skis to guide you through the first few metres.
Exercises: working on technique, slalom and balance.
Speed: using the circuit when your level and the conditions allow it.
The 2.5-hour format lets you go further into the discipline. You prepare the horses, explore their environment, learn the driving techniques and, once you are ready, set off on a ride along one of the suggested routes. Speed exercises on the circuit round off the experience when your level allows it.
You should at least know how to ski, use the snowplough and make turns. These basics are needed to control your speed and direction behind the horse. This activity is therefore not suitable as a first introduction to skiing.
That said, don’t worry. A beginner-level skier can take part as long as they have these foundations. More experienced skiers can move on to the more dynamic exercises sooner, but the session remains an enjoyable introduction to horse-drawn traction.
The instructor will of course adapt the progression, route and pace to your level.
This activity is available from 8 years old and, as with adults, requires a minimum skiing ability. To get the most out of the experience and feel comfortable on skis, your child should be able to move confidently on green or blue runs, use the snowplough and carry out the main turns.
Horse skiing is suitable for adults and young people who already know how to ski. It also works well for couples, families or friends when each participant has the required level. The 45-minute format is ideal if you simply want to try it, while the 2.5-hour session is better for those who want to understand horse preparation and progress towards greater independence.
A warm outfit suitable for snow helps you move comfortably during the outing. Mittens make it harder to hold on properly, so gloves with separate fingers are required. Bring ski goggles or a ski mask, as well as a beanie to wear under the helmet. You also need to bring your own skis and ski boots. The helmet is provided on site, along with the specialist towing equipment. If you do not have suitable clothing, you can hire what you need at the resort.
This original mountain activity offers sensations that are different from classic skiing. The towing changes the rhythm of the glide and calls for constant attention to the horse’s movements. The pleasure comes as much from moving across the snow as from the bond you build with the animal.
The horses are used to the discipline, while our state-qualified instructors guide the outing on skis and adjust the exercises. This support helps you feel confident without taking away the sporting side of the activity.
Ski joëring takes place in a snowy natural setting, far from a simple downhill run.
The session combines outdoor activity, horse discovery and technical progression. The short format fits easily into a mountain day around La Féclaz.
The longer option gives more time to prepare the animal and learn to handle the horse, but it also leaves you free in the second half of the day to enjoy the surroundings, with a dog-sled ride, or a toboggan run, for example.
Sessions take place on the southern plateau of La Féclaz in Savoie, near Chambéry and Aix-les-Bains, and also within easy reach of Annecy. This mountain setting brings together the snowy routes needed for snow skiing and an environment that suits the horses.
Two options are available at Annecy Aventure, from December to March, so you can choose the ideal experience for your needs.
Whether the activity runs depends on snow conditions and the amount of snow on the plateau.
The price includes instruction and specialist equipment, while items such as the ski or riding helmet are provided on loan... Skis, ski boots, warm clothing, gloves and eye protection remain the participant’s responsibility. If needed, you can hire the equipment you need directly at the resort. For more information about the activity, our team is available Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm, as well as on Saturdays from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, to answer all your questions and booking requests!