La Grande Odyssée Royal Canin

22 January 2026

The final stage of the 22nd edition of the Grande Odyssée Royal Canin will be held on 22 January in Villard de Lans.

Villard de Lans is delighted to be hosting this incredible life-size adventure for the fourth year running.

From 10 to 22 January, it will bring together more than 65 international mushers and their 600 dogs, in the superb landscapes of the region.
Come and cheer on the mushers and their dogs as we celebrate this final together!

2026 programme

📍 Bois Barbu – Villard de Lans

– From 10am to 4pm: Grande Odyssée Village

Great North entertainment, meet the mushers at the Wiki’Musher stand, Vercouline tasting, the Official Shop, drawing competition, games corner, quizzes and gifts, photo session with the Sitka mascot and lots of other entertainment!

– From 11.30am : the competition gets underway, with sleds departing every 2 minutes. First arrivals from 12.15pm

– Podium: around 1pm

📍 Place de la Libération – Villard de Lans

– 17h-18h30 : prize-giving ceremony – closing ceremony

Animation Grand Nord

🐕Have you always wanted to know more about the world of sled dogs?
Then head to the tepee in the entertainment village.

Come and chat with 2 mushers who will help you get a better grasp of this unusual profession and its origins, recognise the different breeds of dog and understand the equipment used with a team.
Near the tent, you can admire a dozen sled dogs of 2 different breeds and even have the chance to brush them (and pet them 😍) during a workshop.

Under the tent, you’ll also find an exhibition of equipment from the Far North (sledges, reindeer skins, etc.), and for children there are puzzles and drawing workshops.

Prices and access

Access to the start area is free and open to all.
(However, access to the course is forbidden to pedestrians).

📍 Where can I park? How do I get there?
We advise you to use the free shuttle bus that will drop you off at the start of the competition and leave your car in the car parks in the centre of the village. It runs continuously throughout the day.

Outward journey from the bus station to Bois Barbu:
8.30am – 9.30am – 10.30am – 11.30am – 12.30pm – 1pm – 1.30pm – 2.30pm – 3.30pm – 5.10pm
Return journey from Bois Barbu to the bus station:
9am – 10am – 11am – 12pm – 1pm – 1.30pm – 2pm – 3pm – 4pm – 5.40pm

⚠️ Please note that dogs will not be allowed in the vicinity of the competition (even on a lead).