One month later, A look back at La Grande Odyssée VVF

La Grande Odyssée VVF pays d’Evian-vallée d’Abondance Bernex-La Chapelle d’Abondance-Châtel took place on January 9 and 10, 2023. Let’s take a look back at the memorable events of these two days!

Initially scheduled to take place in La Chapelle d’Abondance on January 9 and Bernex on January 10, snow conditions were not ideal. So, to save the race, it was relocated to Châtel. Meanwhile, the entertainment village was set up over two days on the La Chapelle d’Abondance Nordic ski area.

The entertainment village of the Grande Odyssée

This year, we were delighted to welcome the Great North animation. Located in the heart of the village, it contributed greatly to giving it a Siberian atmosphere that perfectly matched the theme of the event!

The VFF stands also offered a number of activities, including electric Fatbike mountain bikes (and even scooters on snow) and a virtual reality stand, where you were plunged into the heart of Arctic wildlife!

Children's Odyssey

On January 9, a very special race took place. The Odyssée des Enfants! Students from Abondance middle schools were invited to take part in this unique adventure!

Watch the video summary and testimonials from the students following the Odyssée des Enfants.

L’Odyssée des Enfants - 9 janvier 2023 - La Chapelle d’Abondance

The Race

The professional mushers’ race took place at night in Châtel. In the “limited” category, three French mushers shared the podium, neck-and-neck in both races: Cindy Duport, Aurélie Delattre and Elsa Borgey.

In the “open” category, France’s Rémy Coste led the way, followed by Norway’s Hans Lindahl, second on two occasions. Third place went to Grzegorz Burzynski from Poland on the first day. But Norway’s Sissel Wolf Mølmen snatched it from him on the second day in an epic duel (only 22 seconds apart).

We look forward to seeing you next year (and the year after that) in La Chapelle d’Abondance and Bernex for the next edition of La Grande Odyssée VVF. The adventure continues!

Video summary of the two days of La Grande Odyssée VVF

It’s important to note that we don’t recommend climbing the Dent d’Oche all the way to the summit. The last 100 meters after the refuge are dangerous, even deadly. If you wish to tackle them, you’ll have to do so at your own risk.

However, you don’t need to go to the summit to appreciate it, you can also take the best hikes to contemplate it, or even get close to it.

La Grande Odyssée VVF 2023