The Adventure of Guiding in the Alps

Meet Dylan: An Adventurer at Heart

My name is Dylan Odenwald, but my friends call me 'Dyl.Donkey.' Don’t ask me why. That’s just my nickname. ;)

I am 100% Swiss-made and live in Fontanney, just above the town of Aigle. My love for mountain biking started as a kid (a long time ago!). I remember spending hours on my hardtail, jumping over flights of stairs. Bikes have been part of my life ever since.

I love riding for many reasons: feeling that endorphin and dopamine rush, spending time with friends, admiring stunning landscapes, and pushing myself to go faster and jump further. (That doesn’t stop just because you grow older.) Let’s not forget the after-ride beers and a good old Valais platter (assorted cheese and dried meat).

The Alps: The Perfect Playground

I started guiding to share my passion for the mountains and MTB with others. Adventure and guiding go hand in hand. You don’t need to go to an exotic location or on a massive expedition to have an adventure. Simple things like sleeping outside and grilling sausages on a bonfire are the best adventures.

I mainly guide the Chamonix to Zermatt and Verbier to Zermatt Haute Routes. I love the Pass du Torrent and the descent from the Moiry Lake in the Val d’Anniviers region. Every ride in the Alps is filled with breathtaking views.

The Alps are the perfect playground in every season. In winter, I often ski (in deep powder, if possible) and enjoy warming up by the fireplace at home!

Haute Route Highlights

To me, e-Alps means beautiful itineraries and a perfect way to discover the Swiss (and Italian) mountains and local cultures on a bike.

Little things, like the contrast between Moiry Lake's turquoise green, the vegetation's hues of red, and the battleship grey skies during my last Haute Route last fall, are some of the most memorable souvenirs I have.

My top tips for anyone considering a Haute Route are to bring a warm jacket (we’ve had snow in July), brake with one finger (for less experienced riders), and trust your bike (especially on technical sections)!

And for anyone sceptical about riding the Haute Route on an e-bike, I’d say come and see; Try and judge – you won't know until you give it a go. ;)

Random questions

Do you prefer going uphill or downhill?

Definitely downhill!

Do you use flat or clipless pedals?

I used clipless, but I’d be willing to try flats again.

Which one would you choose: fondue or raclette?

I am for eating cheese every day. But I do have a slight preference for fondue (moitié-moitié).

Which one would you choose: white or red wine?

I love a good Syrah and or a Malbec, but why not a glass of white?