Since its first edition in 2005, The Great Odyssey has established itself as Europe's biggest annual sled dog event. A legendary and demanding event, it returns in January 2026 to offer an extraordinary spectacle in the heart of the French Alps.
Nearly 65 international mushers and more than 600 dog-athletes will be taking part in this high-level adventure.
On the programme: almost 400 km of running and 12,000 m of ascent, through the magnificent landscapes of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
It's one of the toughest competitions in the world, a sporting and animal challenge that captivates both enthusiasts and the general public.
A popular and festive show
Every year, over 50,000 spectators attend the event. Villages and resorts dress up in festive costumes to welcome this extraordinary caravan, which combines sporting performance, complicity between mushers and dogs, and a celebration of the mountains.
The date is set for Saturday 10 January 2026 in Avoriaz for the prologue. The following day, the first stage between Avoriaz and Les Lindarets will take place, while on Monday 12 January, it's on to La Chapelle d'Abondance for a second stage that's already full of promise.
The rest will take place in around twenty partner resorts and villages, offering the public as many intense moments to share.
A blend of extreme sport, communion with nature and a festive atmosphere, The Great Odyssey remains a unique event. It's an epic that you'll have to experience first-hand, up close and personal with the teams, to feel the full force of this incredible adventure.
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