The Great Odyssey - Stop in La Chapelle d'Abondance

The Grande Odyssée is a must-see winter event in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Inspired by the Tour de France, it passes through nearly twenty resorts, villages, and towns in Savoie, Haute-Savoie, and Isère each year, offering the general public a unique sporting spectacle. A true international benchmark for mid-mountain mushing, the Grande Odyssée brings together some fifty teams from the world’s elite, comprising more than 500 racing dogs. Over a course spanning more than 400 km with 12,000 meters of elevation gain, the mushers must navigate challenging alpine terrain and winter conditions, making this competition one of the most technically demanding in the world. Beyond the athletic performance, the Grande Odyssée captivates with its authenticity and the emotion it evokes. The bond between the mushers and their dogs, the teams’ boundless energy, and the festive atmosphere at the starts and finishes are an integral part of the experience. Each stage is designed as a true live spectacle, featuring music, staging, and highlights open to the public. The Grande Odyssée is also a celebration for everyone: family-friendly activities, meet-and-greets with the mushers, official ceremonies, campsites, and welcoming gathering areas allow visitors to experience the event from the inside. More than just a competition, it is a celebration of the mountains, nature, and the unique bond between humans and dogs.