The horses of Avoriaz
Do you want to know everything about the horses of Avoriaz?
Transport
20 coachmen and their 100 horses provide taxi services in the resort.
Animal well-being
Each coachman is independent and owns 5 horses to ensure a rotation every 2 to 3 hours, preserving the well-being of their animals!
A unique mode of transport!
In Avoriaz, horses are part of our daily life. They carry skiers, walkers, and their luggage across the resort. But for us, they are much more than just working animals. The horses of Avoriaz are full-fledged members of our community, and they receive the greatest care from their owners and caretakers!
Draught horses
Most of Avoriaz’s horses are draft horses. The transport capacities of draft horses vary depending on their breed, age, physical condition, training, and experience.
However, in terms of pulling capacity, a draft horse can pull up to three times its own weight. This means that a horse weighing around 800 kg can pull a load of up to 2.4 tons. Of course, the speed at which the horse can pull this load depends on several factors, such as the slope, the quality of the snow it moves on, and the resistance of the load itself. That’s why the weight and routes of sleds in Avoriaz are carefully calculated and limited!
Animal well-being
Animal welfare is a priority in Avoriaz!
We are proud to say that we have implemented strict standards to ensure the well-being of our horses. They are fed with high-quality food, receive regular medical care, and are transported in optimal conditions. We also take measures to ensure their working hours are limited and that they have plenty of time to rest and relax in their very own stables in Avoriaz.
Did you know that each coachman has an average of 5 horses to ensure rotation, allowing them to work a maximum of 2 to 3 hours a day? The horses even get days off every week… And in summer, most of them graze peacefully in pastures not far from Avoriaz!
The coachmen of Avoriaz
Until 1975, the coachmen were employed by the resort. Since then, they have come together in an association. Each coachman is independent. Half of them come from the Chablais region, while the other half hail from Normandy, the Loiret, Vendée, and other areas.
Being a coachman in Avoriaz is a multifaceted profession. It’s not just about driving a sled like a taxi from morning to evening, and it requires more than just being comfortable interacting with people. Behind the scenes, the job also demands a great deal of attention and care for the horses.
Even though these horses are draft breeds and have the abilities to pull a sled with ease, they still work in a demanding environment, made more challenging by the terrain, the snow, and sometimes difficult weather conditions (cold, wind, etc.).
Avoriaz, the pedestrian ski resort that takes care of its residents, both two-legged and four-legged!
We are proud of our horse-friendly approach and take measures to ensure their well-being. Additionally, the pedestrian aspect of the resort creates a peaceful and pleasant environment for skiers, walkers, and animals alike. So, if you are looking for a ski destination that cares for its residents, both two-legged and four-legged, look no further than Avoriaz!