La Grande Odyssée: Europe’s Dog Sledding Competition

La Grande Odyssée is one of the longest and most challenging dog sled races in the world, featuring 12 stages across 400km of immaculate snowscapes in the French Alps. Up to 50,000 spectators line the route to watch more than 60 mushers from the major European mushing nations (Germany, Belgium, Spain, Norway, Poland, Italy, Switzerland and France) and their teams of dogs, more than 500 in all, as they cover up to 35km a day. A dozen veterinarians are on hand to ensure the welfare of these elite animals. Towns and villages along the route bring the party spirit with fireworks, exhibitions, igloo-building, campfires and huge tartiflettes. The 2026 race takes place from January 10 to 22.

www.grandeodyssee.com

From France Today Magazine