La Grande Odyssée Royal Canin 2026

Europe’s Most Demanding Alpine Sled Dog Race in the Heart of the French Alps

From 10 to 22 January 2026, La Grande Odyssée Royal Canin returns for its 22nd edition, reaffirming its status as Europe’s most challenging stage race in sled dog racing. Set against the spectacular alpine landscapes of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, the event brings together elite mushers, exceptional canine athletes and tens of thousands of spectators for a unique sporting and human adventure.

A Legendary Race Across the Alps

With snow-covered passes, silent forests and high-altitude plateaus, La Grande Odyssée Royal Canin embodies adventure in its purest form. More than a competition, it is a true alpine odyssey where sporting excellence, animal welfare and respect for nature are inseparable.

In 2026, the race spans 13 days and 11 stages, crossing 20 alpine resorts, towns and villages in Haute-Savoie, Savoie and Isère, and attracting more than 50,000 spectators along the course. Each stage highlights the extraordinary bond between mushers and their dogs — a relationship built on trust, endurance and mutual respect.

An International Elite Field

This year’s edition welcomes over 65 mushers and nearly 600 dogs, representing the leading nations of European mushing, including France, Norway, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Poland and the Czech Republic.
With demanding technical routes, mass-start stages and high-altitude bivouacs, the competition pushes both athletes and dogs to their limits, under strict veterinary supervision.

Animal Health and Welfare at the Core

Recognised as a pioneer in responsible mountain events, La Grande Odyssée Royal Canin places canine health and welfare at the heart of the race. A dedicated team of 12 experienced veterinarians, led by Dr Caroline Didier, ensures continuous monitoring before, during and after every stage.
Each dog is electronically identified, regularly examined, and protected by a strict regulation designed to guarantee safety, rest and long-term well-being.

A Spectacular Stage 7 in Haute Maurienne Vanoise

The most recent highlight took place in Bessans, during the first part of Stage 7, presented by Francodex and counting as the second stage of the Trophée Allianz. Thousands of spectators gathered to witness a dramatic 47 km mass-start stage with 1,160 metres of elevation gain, leading to Bonneval-sur-Arc.

Spanish musher Iker Ozkoidi Garcia, wearing the Suzuki Leader bib, delivered a remarkable performance, overtaking nearly ten teams along the course. He was closely followed by fellow Spaniard Javier Ruiz Corte, confirming Spain’s strong dominance in this 22nd edition.
In the Nordic category, French veteran Jean Combazard once again demonstrated his mastery of the race, maintaining his lead in the Nordic Leader ranking.

The ascent to the Mont Cenis Pass (2,083 m), under demanding weather conditions, provided a powerful visual and sporting moment, showcasing the resilience of both mushers and dogs.

The Trophée Allianz: Final Stage on 18 January

Running from 16 to 18 January, the Trophée Allianz is one of the most prestigious side competitions of La Grande Odyssée Royal Canin. Reserved for teams with Nordic breeds and renowned for its high-altitude bivouac, it concludes on Sunday 18 January with a demanding final stage from Val Cenis.

The 2026 Trophée Allianz brings together a strong and diverse field, including:

Lisa Bonato (Italy)
Romain Da Fonseca (France)
Cyril Kaluszynski (France)
Agnès Philipona (Switzerland)
Franck Bonnet-Gonnet (France)
Toni Lozano (Spain)
Roberto Sallés Manzano (Spain)
Angélique Saussac (France)
Jossera Lebron (Spain)
Jules Labourier (France)
Mathilde Rolland (France)

This final stage promises a spectacular showdown, combining endurance, technical skill and strategic race management at altitude.

More Than a Race: A Responsible and Inclusive Event

La Grande Odyssée Royal Canin is also deeply committed to inclusion and sustainability. Throughout the event, special races such as L’Odyssée des Enfants, L’Odyssée des Espoirs and L’Odyssée pour Tous allow children, young mushers and people with disabilities to experience the magic of sled dog racing.

As a signatory of the 15 eco-responsible commitments charter supported by the French Ministry of Sports and WWF France, the event actively contributes to the vision of making Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Europe’s leading sustainable mountain region.

A Unique Alpine Experience

Blending high-level sport, raw emotion and breathtaking scenery, La Grande Odyssée Royal Canin is an invitation to experience the mountains differently — through the rhythm of sled dogs, the passion of mushers and the shared excitement of alpine communities.

As the race continues toward its grand finale in Villard-de-Lans on 22 January, the 2026 edition once again proves why La Grande Odyssée Royal Canin remains a reference in international sled dog racing.