Via Ferrata

• Via Ferrata provide an exciting means to get into what would normally be the domain of the rock climber. Lasting memories guaranteed!
• The French Alps has many excellent routes with routes to cater for all tastes and abilities. There are even some routes especially adapted for children.
• The via ferrata in France have been specifically designed to provide a sporting activity.
• Historically via ferrata were used during the World Wars in Italy and Austria to allow troops access the strategic peaks.

Safety

Via Ferrata require the use of specially adapted equipment. Beginners and certainly children are usually roped up in the same way as on a rock climb to add an additional layer of security. The equipment comprises a climbing harness to which is attached a special shock absorbing lanyard system. It is this shock absorbing system, and the correct use of it that is essential.

Via Ferrata - options

• 6 day / 7 night hotel based via ferrata holiday
• 4 day / 3 night hotel based long-weekend via ferrata holiday
• Via Ferrata "a la carte": full day / half-day / by the route. More info ...

Typical 6 Day Programme

The final programme will be decided with regards to the prevailing conditions and the desires of the group.

D1 - Arrival. Transfer from Geneva airport to your accommodation.

D2 - Roc du Vent, Beaufortain. Mont Blanc and the turquoise waters of the Lac de Roselend are the picture postcard backdrops to this via ferrata. There's something very satisfying in reaching a summit and lovers of the mountains will not be disappointed. An added point of interest during the descent is a tunnel cut through the mountain - best to have a torch!

D3 - Val d'Isere - Two via ferratas close to the village of Val d'Isere. The Roc de Toviere is compromised of 3 sections. An easy intro'; a good warm up and then the spectacular bridge giving access to the grand finale. For those with arms still in working order there's a chance to do the via on the opposite side of the valley, Les Plates de la Daille.

D4 - Aussois - stunning routes above the river Arc! A via ferrata fest! There are 7 sections with a range of difficulties.

D5 - Aravis - Thones and La Clusaz - "La Roche a Agathe" - a via ferrata with a reputation, a finish (escapable) over an arm-exercising roof. At La Clusaz there's the via ferrata Yves Pollet-Villard - a beautiful gem not far from the Col des Aravis. La Tour de la Jalouvre - a via for mountain lovers.

D6 - Le Roche Veyrand, Chartreuse. This via ferrata is in two parts - the first part making an excellent "entree" to the stunning second part. The route takes a rising traverse from cave to cave before tackling, head-on, a superb steep wall. The finish awaits, with a short overhanging section above an enormous void. A short walk leads to the summit of the mountain. The route is about 800m long with a total height gain of about 600m.

D7 - Depart

Dates & Details

Via Ferrata a la Carte

Already in the Alps can just want to try out a via ferrata for a day or half a day? I can provide instruction / guiding on individual via ferrata. Private group rates are below. Book two routes together in the same area on the same day and the second is half price. The fee includes guiding and technical equipment only.

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