The fantastic husky show

The original idea of this «Grande Odyssée» through the Alps comes from Nicolas Vanier, famous for his polar expeditions.

More than 25 mushers men and women (sledge drivers) among the best in the world are going to rush their teams downwards, some after the others, in this infernal race that, although it takes place in the Alps -a rather less cold region than the usual other competition spots in the polar area- shows such considerable difficulties that it is looked upon as one of the most difficult in the world. The differences in height are impressive (around 15000 meters) and the dogs rush along mountain trails.

At all staging points the resorts hold local fairs around the race. Hot wine, giant-size « tartiflettes », trappers' villages building punctuate the course. You can also become initiated into a dog team driving by the numerous mushers who live in our mountains with their dogs pack and the children are not forgotten.

Everyone would like to try a sleigh ride drawn by the "peppermint" coloured eyes beautiful dogs; it is a delight ! but you must know that even though the musher uses his voice to give orders and knows how to make his dogs obey him, he also needs to keep humble and adapt himself to nature.

During one of the numerous rides held all over the Alps' resorts, we rapidly realize that a great number of parameters are to be taken into account. The musher kindly encourages his dogs. Very often, the leading dog is a female (less capricious, ha, ha !). The team stops when one of the dogs does its business.

There the musher uses its shovel, there's no question to leave a dirty trail ! It becomes really funny and athletic when a rabbit crosses just in front of the team; there, the musher must be both affectionate and firm to restore the order. At last, to make the story short, we are battling with nature and we are requested to obey it. Settling comfortably into the sledge, under the blankets, we can admire the firs, catch sight of a chamois, we often are a little bit cold as we aren't in a carousel of an amusement park. Not at all. But what a delightful moment !