Overview
- The prologue in Avoriaz on January 10 launched the 22nd edition with public programming and evening racing in heavy snowfall.
- Stage one started on January 11 with roughly 28–29 km of racing from Avoriaz, passing Super Morzine and Les Lindarets in Montriond, with starts around 10:00 and arrivals expected from 12:10 to 14:00.
- The opening competitive leg is listed at 28.33 km with about 1,068 m of climbing, underscoring the event’s reputation for demanding terrain.
- The race runs over about two weeks to January 22 on an Alpine route toward Villars-de-Lans, with some stages reaching up to 2,000 m of positive elevation gain.
- Organizers emphasize rigorous veterinary checks and dog welfare, and veterinarians describe the pre-start barking as an expression of the dogs’ strong drive to run.