In the hierarchy of European ski resorts, Chamonix ranks near the peak of ski resorts in Europe it has just about everything you would wish for in a top French ski resort. Not only does it boast some of the best as well as the toughest skiing in the world, it’s also a place where you can try your hand at a vast array of other very manly pursuits.

There’s ice climbing, paragliding, mountain biking and the frankly terrifying pursuit of speed riding, which has been described as like kite surfing on a pair of skis, but down the side of a mountain!  However for something which may appeal to those who prefer not to fly down the mountain like that there is the traditional Nordic pursuit of ski joëring where you are pulled along a picturesque forest track by a draft horse. But do not be fooled, this is not just a gentle sleigh ride, the horse can rattle up some impressive speeds.

The Nordic pursuit is thought to date back around 4,500 years to a time when snowbound Norsemen would travel from village to village with planks of wood strapped to their feet, pulled along by reindeer or dogs. The modern version is not a lot different, now we use horses and the skis are just more than a bit more advanced!