A horse ride in the snow

Do you love horses and are you looking for a fun activity to enjoy in the mountains during your holiday? There are several activities on offer in the resort of Méribel in Savoie.

But do you know the differences between them?

What is ski-joëring?

Ski-joëring is a sporting activity in which a horse pulls the skier across the snow. The skier wears skis and is attached to the horse by a rope. This activity, which is becoming increasingly popular in the Alps, is an original and fun way to enjoy the beautiful countryside.

What is joëring?

Joëring is a sporting activity that involves being pulled along the snow by a horse. The participant sits on a specially designed sledge that is attached to the horse by a rope. This activity requires good coordination between the horse and the skier. There are even joëring competitions where participants are judged on their performance and coordination. It's a great activity for winter sports and horse lovers. But this activity is more difficult than a simple toboggan run and should be practised with a guide who will be able to guide you during your first initiation.

What about a horse or pony ride?

This time, you won't be skiing or sledging - you'll be riding a horse or pony straight out into the countryside. These rides are suitable for all levels of rider, even children (aged 3 and over), who will prefer to get on a pony for a shorter ride. If you like riding but don't ski, this is the ideal activity for you.

Where can you practise these activities with horses?

👉 Two riding centres offer these activities in Méribel:

Ranch Nordique

📍260 route de Méribel Mottaret

73550 Les Allues

☎️07 55 68 68 10

ranch.nordique@gmail.com

https://ranchnordique-meribel.com/?utm_source=easyvoyage

🕐Open every day from 8.30am to 6.30pm

Coeur Equestre des 3 Vallées

📍300 le pied de ville

73540 Méribel

☎️06 09 15 65 54

anne@coeurequestremeribel.com

https://www.coeurequestremeribel.com/?utm_source=easyvoyage

🕐Open every day from 9am to 7pm

How do these activities work?

Ski-joëring

To practise skijoring, you need to have a 1st star level in skiing or a 2nd star level, depending on the riding centre. You'll be able to try out the three gaits: walk, trot and canter, as well as slalom and jumps if you feel like it.

This activity is open to children aged 7 and over and lasts 20 minutes for a first initiation.

You'll need to bring your own ski equipment: wetsuit, boots, gloves and helmet, and your skis must be no longer than 1.50m. If you don't have your own equipment, you'll need to hire snowblades.

A guide will ride the horse and pull the skier. This activity can be done as a duo for two children with a total weight of 70kg.

💰 Ski-joëring prices:

Expect to pay between €30 and €35 and €20 per child if they do the activity as a duo.

Luge-joëring

Also known as pony sledging, this activity is open to children aged 3 and over. Children love this activity and spending time petting the ponies.

Children aged 3 to 6 must be accompanied on the sledge either by a child over 6 or by an adult (max 70kg overall). An adult must also hold the pony. This activity lasts 20 minutes. Bring ski clothes and closed shoes, waterproof if possible.

💰Joëring prices

As with ski-joëring, expect to pay between €30 and €35, and €20 per child if the activity is done as a duo.

Horse or pony rides

Horse-riding is accessible to those comfortable with all 3 paces and for children aged 13 and over.

For two hours, you'll enjoy a fairly strenuous ride through the beautiful Méribel countryside.

The 3 Vallées riding centre also offers rides for beginners.

💰 Price of a 2-hour horse ride

Between €65 and €70 per person

For the little ones, short rides of 10 to 20 minutes are available in the arena or in the forest under the responsibility of an adult.

💰**Price for a mini pony ride **

10€ for a 10-minute ride, 20€ for a 20-minute ride.