The flagship sled dog event in Europe will once again this year bring together more than 65 mushers and several hundred dogs, in one of the most prestigious races on the continent.
The Great Odyssey VVF
The Grande Odyssée VVF, the most demanding sled dog race in the world, takes place in a spectacular setting and has become a must-see event on the European sled dog circuit for 20 years.
Every year, this unique event crosses the mountains of Savoie, Haute-Savoie and Isère, offering an unforgettable experience. Mushers from the four corners of the world compete on spectacular courses, making this race an exceptional moment for lovers of board sports, animals and nature. At the same time, various activities are offered to spectators in passing towns, for a festive and friendly weekend.
The 2025 edition of the Great Odyssey VVF
This year, the Grande Odyssée VVF is celebrating its 20th anniversary and will take place from Saturday January 11 to Thursday January 23. In addition to the competition, the 2025 edition of La Grande Odyssée offers a program rich in activities for the whole family. Fun activities, exhibitions and friendly moments around the passion of mushing will be there.
Whether you are an extreme sports enthusiast or simply looking to have a good time with your family, this event guarantees you a festive weekend in the heart of the Alps. Here are the stages that you can discover in Haute-Savoie.
-Saturday January 11, 2025 – Megève
- 10h/17h : Many activities await you at the La Grande Odyssée Village. Meet at the Pré de Saint Amour, where you can pet the sled dogs, enjoy activities for children, a gourmet area, workshops, stands and a lot of other surprises.
- 14h/15h : Presentation of the carriages of La Grande Odyssée VVF 2025 on the Place de l’Église.
- 18h : Start of the prologue for 7 km of racing with 180 m of positive and negative elevation. The prologue is a symbolic opening stage, shorter and less competitive than the other stages of the event.
- 18h45/19h20 : Arrivals of the prologue.
- 7:30 p.m. : Prologue podium.
Race checkpoint :
Sunday January 12, 2025 – Megève
- 10h/16h : Opening of the La Grande Odyssée VVF Village.
- 11h/12h : Departure of the first stage of the competition in Megève Cote 2000 for a 32 km course with 800 m of positive and negative altitude difference.
- 13h15/15h : Arrival of mushers and prize giving.
- 15h/16h : Organization of the Odyssey for All, dedicated to adolescents with disabilities.
- 16h : Podium of the Odyssey for All.
Race checkpoint :
Monday January 13, 2025 – La Chapelle d’Abondance
- 13h/19h : Opening of the La Grande Odyssée VVF Village.
- 14h : Organization of the Children’s Odyssey, dedicated to the eighteen young mushers who will set off with their teams of 3 dogs on a 4 km course.
- 15h : Podium of the Children’s Odyssey.
- 16h15/17h15 : Departure of the second stage from the Nordic Site for a 34 km route with 760 m of positive and negative elevation gain.
- 18h15/20h10 : Arrival of mushers and prize giving.
Race checkpoint :
Tuesday January 14, 2025 – Bernex
- 13h/18h : Opening of the village of La Grande Odyssée VVF.
- 16h/17h : Delayed departures of the third stage on the Snow Front for a 4km climb only, with a positive altitude difference of 550 m.
- 17h/17h50 : Arrivals of participants and award ceremony.
Race checkpoint :
- Arrival of the Pré Richard chairlift from 4:20 p.m. to 5:40 p.m.
All practical information
- Or : Megève, La Chapelle d’Abondance, Bernex.
- When : From Saturday 11 to Tuesday 14 January 2025.
- Organizer : The Great Odyssey.
- Rates : Free entry for spectators.
- Site internet : grandeodyssee.com.
Photo credit of the article © Benoît Diacre – LGO 2024
