The Great Odyssey is a dog sledding race taking place in Haute-Savoie and Savoie. Renowned for being the most complex in Europe, it welcomes over 65 mushers and 600 dogs every year.
The Great Odyssey, a must-see winter event
The Great Odyssey was born from the meeting between Nicolas Vanier and Henry Kam. The two men wanted to revive dog sledding races in France and more generally in Europe. Thus, the first edition of the Great Odyssey took place in January 2005.
Little by little, the event has established itself in the calendars of mushers, as well as spectators. So much so that it is now the annual event not to be missed. Particularly because this stage race is considered the most demanding in Europe. It takes place over stages, lasting just over a week.
The Great Odyssey in numbers
Every year, the Great Odyssey brings together over 50,000 spectators. They are spread across all stages, between Haute-Savoie and Savoie. But this race also includes:
- 13 days of racing, covering more than 400 kilometers
- 12 meters of positive elevation
- 32 kilometers per day on average
- An average speed of over 20 km/h
- About twenty stations crossed
The well-being of the dogs, a crucial point
To ensure the well-being of the dogs, a team of veterinarians accompanies the mushers throughout the Great Odyssey. A health check is conducted before the start of the race, and a clinical examination of each departing dog is required.
During the competition, a dog may be temporarily excluded if deemed unfit. Anti-doping tests are also conducted during the Great Odyssey, completely unexpectedly.
The must-see stages of the Great Odyssey
While some stages change from year to year, some are well established in the Great Odyssey calendar. We offer a focus on three of them, which take place in Haute-Savoie, near Mont-Blanc, and in Savoie, in Haute-Maurienne.
The magic of Megève
Over the years, some stages have become more essential than others. We particularly think of the one in Megève, which takes place in unique landscapes. The departure from within the village also adds an extra touch of magic. The atmosphere is even more enchanting when it snows or when recent snowfall occurs.
The polar base at the Mont-Cenis pass
The stage at the polar base at the Mont-Cenis pass is a must-see in the Great Odyssey. The mushers leave from Lanslebourg in the late afternoon. They take the road leading to the Mont-Cenis pass, which serves as a ski slope in winter. They spend the night with their dogs at the polar base, located at over 2,000 meters altitude.
The mass start in Bessans
The mass start in Bessans is certainly the most anticipated stage, both by the dogs and the spectators. It must be said that it is impressive to see the animals getting pumped up, lined up next to each other, waiting for the starting signal. The mushers head to Bonneval-sur-Arc and then descend back to Bessans and Val Cenis. We recommend that once the start is given, you head to Villaron or the Bonneval-sur-Arc area to enjoy the passage of the teams.
Where to stay during the Great Odyssey?
If you wish to follow the Great Odyssey, we suggest discovering various accommodations located in the different stations that the dog sledding competition traverses.
Les Loges Blanches, Megève
This beautiful establishment is well located, 200 meters from the Jaillet and 500 m from the center of Megève. It consists of 5 chalets with rooms and suites, which connect with the reception and the restaurant. A lovely address that offers a sauna and an outdoor pool.
Hôtel Le Mont Jorat, Abondance
An establishment offering good value for money. The rooms all have a balcony allowing you to enjoy the view of the Alps. The restaurant highlights local specialties such as diots with white wine or tartiflette with AOP reblochon.
Hôtel Le Joli Bois, Bernex
The Joli Bois hotel is a charming accommodation located between the lake and mountains, near Bernex. You can enjoy good culinary specialties in the hotel’s restaurant.
Le Beausoleil, La Toussuire
The Beausoleil hotel is set in a chalet, just 150 meters from the slopes. An advantage that allows you to enjoy both the Great Odyssey and skiing. From your room, you can see the mountains.
Alpazur, Val Cenis
Alpazur Val Cenis is a family hotel located in the heart of the village of Lanslebourg. It offers a view of the Arc and the ski slopes of Val Cenis. The ski lifts are just 100 meters away. Pets are welcome in the establishment.
Hôtel de la Vanoise, Pralognan-la-Vanoise
The Hôtel de la Vanoise is located in the heart of the village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise, just 50 meters from the slopes. The family rooms, which are larger, include a mezzanine. Pets are allowed in the establishment.
Hôtel Chalet du Crey, Valmorel
The Chalet du Crey hotel is located a few minutes from the center of Valmorel and offers packed lunches to its guests. You can thus spend the day outdoors, fully enjoying the Great Odyssey.
Best Western, Villard-de-Lans
The Best Western in Villard-de-Lans is located in the heart of the village. The establishment offers you a unique view of the surrounding mountains. You will appreciate the inherent calm of the hotel and its three hectares of nature.
Our tips for enjoying the race
To fully enjoy the Great Odyssey, there are some tips to know. For example, do not stay at the start or finish line. It is much more impressive to see the dogs in full effort. So opt for climbs or flat areas. You will enjoy it even more.
Don’t forget to dress warmly. At certain stages, the runners may pass late, and the wait can seem long. It would be foolish to be cold. In case of particularly low temperatures, do not hesitate to bring a thermos with you.
Additional info: if you decide to go to the starting village, feel free to pass by the trucks. You will be able to see the dogs up close. But be careful not to disturb the athletes.
The 2024 edition
From January 13 to 25, 2024, the Great Odyssey VVF will celebrate its 20th edition, marking two decades of spectacular dog sledding races in Europe. With 65 mushers and 600 dogs from 8 different nations, this competition will traverse breathtaking alpine landscapes over a 400 km course.
Since 2005, the event has fascinated by covering more than 50 locations in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Competitors will start in Megève, crossing renowned alpine sites. The weekend of January 19 to 21 promises highlights with spectacular stages in Haute-Maurienne-Vanoise, in Aussois, Bessans-Val Cenis, and Bonneval-sur-Arc. The climax of this odyssey will take place in Valmorel-Doucy, before concluding with three final stages in Isère, thus closing this exceptional event.
Past editions
The 2023 edition
The 2023 edition took place from January 7 to 19, 2023. The prologue and the first stage were held in Megève. The mushers and their dogs then went through several stages in Haute-Savoie, before returning to Savoie on Wednesday, January 11, with the stage La Toussuire – Le Corbier. The runners then returned to Haute-Maurienne, notably the Val Cenis resort.
The Great Odyssey ended in Isère, in Villard-de-Lans. All the alpine territories of the region were thus traversed during the event.
