Every winter, in the heart of the snow-covered mountains of Haute-Savoie, an event takes place that draws the attention of winter sports and wilderness enthusiasts: La Grande Odyssée, one of the most prestigious sled dog races in the world. With its magnificent landscapes and extreme challenges, this competition is a true human and animal adventure, an unmissable experience for all mountain lovers.
What is La Grande Odyssée?
Created in 2005, La Grande Odyssée is an international sled dog race lasting over 10 days and covering approximately 400 to 500 kilometers. Each year, in January, the best mushers (sled drivers) and their teams gather for this unique event, which takes them through the most beautiful Alpine massifs of the region, passing iconic resorts such as Megève, Avoriaz, and La Plagne.
What makes La Grande Odyssée special is its impressive elevation gain. The teams face ascents totaling up to 25,000 meters of positive elevation gain, a feat requiring rare physical and mental preparation, both for the mushers and their dogs.
A high-level sporting event
The race brings together participants from all corners of the globe, and only the best mushers dare to take on this challenge. The teams consist of Nordic dogs, mainly Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, known for their endurance and ability to withstand extreme conditions. The teams must not only cover long distances each day but also face the whims of mountain weather, which can shift from bright sunshine to snowstorms within a few hours.
A show for visitors
La Grande Odyssée is not just a race reserved for athletes. It also offers a unique opportunity for visitors to discover a traditional sport in a breathtaking natural setting. Numerous activities are organized in the villages and resorts hosting the race stages. Spectators can follow the departures and arrivals of the teams, participate in introductions to Nordic sports, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere surrounding the event.
It is also a chance to experience an authentic adventure in the middle of the mountains. The routes cross rarely traveled trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Alps and watch the teams progress through stunning scenery. For those who love adventure, it is even possible to book sleigh rides to feel, for a moment, the thrill of gliding through snow-covered forests.
An ecological commitment
La Grande Odyssée also places great importance on respecting the environment. Aware of the potential impact such an event may have on nature, the organization has implemented initiatives aimed at reducing its ecological footprint. Routes are selected to minimize disturbances to local fauna and flora, and awareness-raising actions for environmental preservation are offered throughout the event.
Furthermore, the relationship between the musher and their dogs is at the heart of the race’s ethics. Mushers ensure the health and well-being of their animals, and specialized veterinarians closely monitor each team to make sure the dogs are in good condition and fit to continue the event.
An event not to be missed
Whether you are an extreme sports enthusiast or simply a mountain lover, La Grande Odyssée is an adventure not to be missed during your stay in Haute-Savoie. This magnificent display of cooperation between man and animal, set in an exceptional natural environment, promises to offer you unforgettable memories.
So, this winter, dive into the heart of this icy epic and come cheer on the mushers and their dogs in their quest for victory across the majestic landscapes of Haute-Savoie.
On the program for La Grande Odyssée 2025
This year La Grande Odyssée 2025 offers only a few stages in Haute-Savoie, but here is the complete program:
| DATES | STAGES | RESORTS |
| Saturday, January 11 | PROLOGUE presented by Raclette de Savoie | Megève |
| Sunday, January 12 | Stage 1 presented by ROYAL CANIN | Megève |
| Monday, January 13 | Stage 2 | La Chapelle d’Abondance |
| Tuesday, January 14 | Stage 3 | Bernex |
| Wednesday, January 15 | Stage 4 | La Toussuire – Le Corbier |
| Thursday, January 16 | Stage 5 | Les Karellis |
| Friday, January 17 | Stage 6 presented by ZOLUX | Aussois |
| Saturday, January 18 | Stage 7A presented by FRANCODEX | Bessans – Bonneval sur Arc – Val Cenis Base Polaire |
| Sunday, January 19 | Stage 7B | Val Cenis |
| Monday, January 20 | Stage 8 | Valmorel – Doucy |
| Tuesday, January 21 | Stage 9 presented by AÉSIO MUTUELLE | Les 7 Laux |
| Wednesday, January 22 | Stage 10 | Col de Porte |
| Thursday, January 23 | Stage 11 presented by FLEXADIN ADVANCED | Villard de Lans |
Dates: from January 11 to 23, 2025
Location: Several stages in Haute-Savoie (Megève, La Chapelle d’Abondance, etc.)
Official website: https://www.grandeodyssee.com
Come vibrate to the rhythm of the teams and discover the magic of a sport in its own right!
Photo source: https://www.grandeodyssee.com/
Last updated: December 11, 2024
