Ski holidays with dogs

Explore the beauty of the French Alps with your faithful companion by your side. If you can’t imagine going away without the furry friend in your life, you’ve come to the right place as we take you through the practicalities of taking your dog with you on your ski holiday.

How to travel to the Alps with your dog

Travelling to the French Alps with your dog is generally quite straightforward, it just takes a little extra planning to ensure you comply with EU requirement.

Taking your dog in and out of the UK

Taking your dog to France might be easier than you think.

You need an animal health certificate for your dog to travel within the EU (current EU pet passports issued in GB will no longer be valid). This may take a month to arrange. To get an animal health certificate your pet must either have an up-to-date rabies vaccination already or only need booster doses to keep the vaccination up to date.

The certificate will need to be obtained from the vet (an official veterinarian or OV). You will need to take with you your pet’s microchipping date and vaccination history. You can find out more about how to apply for an animal health certificate on the .gov website.

To travel between the UK and France your dog must be microchipped, have had a rabies vaccination, and a tapeworm treatment.

Your dog should have a microchip that meets the ISO standards. You may have to bring your own microchip reader when you travel if your pet’s microchip does not meet ISO standards.

Your dog must have had a valid vaccination against rabies (whether first or a booster) 21 days before travelling, and your dog must be at least 12 weeks old at time of vaccination).

Your dog must be treated for tapeworm by a vet every time you want to travel to the UK, between 1 and 5 days before you're scheduled to arrive. Treatment date and time must be recorded in your pet's documentation. If you need to find a French vet, visit www.pagesjaunes.fr (type ‘Vétérinaire’ in Quoi or Qui box and your destination in France e.g Chamonix in the Où box. If you tick the ‘a coté de’ box you will find the vets near to your destination).

If you need further information, contact the Pet Travel Scheme helpline

pettravel@apha.gov.uk

Telephone: 0370 241 1710

Travelling with dogs – your transport options

Eurotunnel LeShuttle

If you are travelling to France with a dog, going with LeShuttle means you can all stay together for the short 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais. Facilities are available in both Folkestone and Calais to enable 24-hour pet check-in. Pets can travel for a cost per pet each way (applicable for dogs, cats & ferrets). DEFRA Pet Travel Documentation is required. Registered Guide and Assistance Dogs travel free*.

DFDS

As part of the DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), they provide safe transportation for your pets onboard their ferries. On the Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkirk ferry crossings, pet bookings must be made in advance of travel and there is a charge per pet each way. Pets must remain secured inside your vehicle for the duration of the journey. However, you can visit your pet in your car during the crossing if accompanied by a crew member.

P&O

There is a cost per pet each way to travel on the Dover to Calais route, with registered Guide and Hearing Dogs travelling free of charge. All pets must stay in the vehicle during the trip, unless travelling in the Pet Lounge - for dogs only. The Pet Lounge is a dog friendly area where you and your dog can relax for a calm and stress free journey. Both you and your pet can enjoy your own space, complimentary refreshments and treats on board together. There is also an exercise area on the outside deck. You can upgrade to the Pet Lounge when placing your booking.

Peak Retreats can book travel as part of your ski holiday package. Please call our team on 023 9283 9310 for current pricing and availability.

What to pack for a dog-friendly ski trip

There are a few extras that you should consider when packing for a ski holiday with your pooch:

• A warm coat or jumper for short-haired or older dogs

• A cosy blanket or familiar bed from home

• A travel water bowl

• Paw balm to protect pads from snow, ice and salted paths

• Dog boots for dogs that are prone to sore paws

Keeping your dog comfortable in cold weather

If your dog isn’t used to cold weather and snow, there are a few ways you can ensure they remain comfortable…

Make sure your dog has a warm retreat

After a day exploring snowy trails, most dogs will appreciate a comfortable place to curl up indoors. A familiar bed or blanket can help them settle into their holiday home.

Watch for dehydration

Cold air, higher altitudes and cosy heated apartments can all be surprisingly dehydrating. Make sure fresh water is always available, whether you're heading out for a walk or relaxing in your accommodation.

Shorter walks can be better

If temperatures drop significantly, several shorter outings may be more enjoyable than one long adventure, particularly for older dogs, puppies or smaller breeds.

Looking after your dog's paws

Snow, ice and salted paths can be tough on sensitive paws. Before travelling, trim any excess fur between your dog's pads to help prevent snow from clumping. During your stay, check paws regularly and rinse them after walks to remove salt and grit. A paw balm can help keep pads comfortable and protected throughout your trip.

Dog safety in ski resorts - watch out for salted paths and roads

During winter, many resort roads, pavements and pathways are treated with salt and other de-icing products to keep them safe. While essential in snowy conditions, these substances can irritate your dog's paws and may be harmful if ingested.

After walks, it's a good idea to rinse or wipe your dog's paws to remove any residue, especially as dogs often lick their paws when they get back indoors. It's also best to discourage them from drinking from roadside puddles or melted snow near roads, where traces of de-icing products may be present.

Types of dog-friendly accommodation

Many of our accommodation, particularly self-catered apartments, allow you to bring your dog along (usually up to 2) for a small fee. If you let us know at enquiry stage or time of booking, we can advise on the best options and give you a price.

Here are some of our favourite dog friendly ski apartments:

Les Balcons de la Rosière, La Rosière

Amaya, Les Saisies

Le Village de Lessy, Le Grand Bornand

Etoile des Cimes, Sainte Foy

La Clé des Cimes, Arêches-Beaufort

Les Hauts de la Vanoise, Pralognan

Les Alpages de Val Cenis, Val Cenis

L'Orée des Cimes, Peisey Vallandry

Anitéa, Valmorel

Les Fermes de Châtel, Châtel

Frequently asked questions about ski holidays with dogs

Can I take my dog to a ski resort in France?

Yes dogs are generally very welcome. It takes a bit of extra planning but ski holidays with dogs can be very rewarding.

Are dogs allowed on the slopes?

Generally dogs are not allowed on the piste when the lifts are open.

Is it safe to bring a dog to a snowy, cold environment?

Yes it is safe to take dogs to the mountains but it’s advisable to provide them with a dog jumper to help keep them warm and dry. Don’t leave them outside or in cars for any length of time.

Do dogs need any special vaccinations or paperwork to travel to France?

Yes, your dog must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations and you must obtain an animal health certificate from a vet.

Do all Peak Retreats properties accept dogs?

Whilst we can’t claim that all the properties we feature accept dogs, the large majority do, especially our self-catered apartments. Please let us know at time of booking.

Where can I walk my dog in the ski resort?

Dogs are strictly not allowed on ski slopes. It’s best to stick to designated winter walking and snowshoeing trails. Take note if your ski resort is in or borders a national park as dogs are strictly prohibited.

Does my dog need to be on a lead in a French Alps ski resort?

Yes in village centres and designated walking and snowshoeing paths, dogs should be kept on a lead.

Can dogs go on ski lifts?

Dogs are not allowed on chairlifts. Sometimes they are allowed on gondolas but this is usually specific lifts in certain resorts so it always pays to check.

Are there vets nearby in case of emergency?

People who live in ski resorts have pets too so yes there is often a vet nearby although you may need to travel to a larger resort or town nearby. When you book with Peak Retreats, this is the kind of information we can find out for you.

Can I leave my dog in the accommodation while we ski?

Yes you can if you’re confident your dog will be happy to be left. If however you want to ski from first lift to last then taking your dog might not be for you. Most people leave their dogs for a couple of hours at a time and then head out for a snowy walk.

Do I need to tell Peak Retreats in advance if I’m bringing a dog?

Yes, please let us know as soon as possible if you intend to bring a dog. It’ll help us identify the best accommodation options and we can add the dog(s) onto your booking.