Via Ferrata

for individuals and groups. Get in touch for more information.

EXPERIENCE the beautiful and challenging nature of the higher mountains.

Via Ferrata

Fun & Exiting

The term “Via Ferrata”—Steel Way—comes from the Italian South Tyrol and Trentino, where, during the First World War, intricate pathways were carved through the cliffs and along the vertical sides, vital for patrols and supplies. These historic trails endure, while a recent surge in Via Ferrata exploration has swept through the western Alps, with many modern and well-equipped routes made for recreational purposes.

Picture yourself scaling cliffs with sheer drops in terrain you wouldn’t ever consider finding yourself in. Holding on, moving up metal rungs, steps, and ladders, and traversing over airy drops by cable and wooden bridges.

If you are up for a vertical and airy challenge and thrive on pushing boundaries, joining us on a Via Ferrata outing is a definite must for those seeking to get to the limit of their comfort zone—or maybe just a tad beyond.

Via Ferrata routes are well-equipped with a metal cable running along all the steep and exposed sections. On most Via Ferrata, this will be from the start of the route to the end, and you will always be clipped to this. You will have metal rungs to hold on to and reasonable steps for your feed. Plenty of exciting moments and passages, such as passing from one side of a gorge to another and traversing over cable wires or suspended bridges. You also find planks to cross over and steep ladders. All routes are somewhat different, but everyone has something that will make your heart pump quicker.

With a guide, you will be supervised and instructed throughout the route. You will mainly be attached to a rope and your Via Ferrata-specific slings. It’s safe and fun!

Around Chamonix, we have a good choice of different routes with great interest and excitement.

Check-list for Via Ferrata

1. Be fresh and well-rested in the morning
2. Rent equipment or at least reserve the day before.
3. Make sure you have a pair of light gloves for the route
4. Consider wearing long pants so as not to scratch your knees
5. Bring a small backpack with room for a light jacket, water & snacks.
6. Be on time for the rendezvous. Check the itinerary and the time it will take you to get to the meeting point.

The safety

On the route, you will be supervised and roped up with the guide. Additionally, we use special Via Ferrata slings to ensure that each participant is always attached to the steel cable. The guide will instruct you on how to use the equipment.

How do I book?

Get in touch and let us know what you are looking for. Please take a look at the different Via Ferrata that we propose. We are very happy to suggest the best one for you and your team based on group size, experience, age, and fitness.

At the moment, we do not arrange group tours where you can attend as a single person or join up with others.

1. Via Curalla—A fun and airy Via Ferrata above the village of Passy, just a 40-minute drive from Chamonix, is a beautiful Via Ferrata of moderate length and difficulty. The route follows a big south-facing rock wall under the impressive needle of the Varan summit. The 20-metre cable walk over an airy drop has most people asking themselves, “What am I doing here?” :-). The route is continuously interesting, and the views are great, with Mont Blanc far above the lush Arve Valley.

Group size: 4 participants per guide. Minimum height: 1.50cm tall.
Difficulty AD+/Lenght: 500m / Estimated route time: about 1h30mn / Overall time: About 4 hours.

2. Via Ferrata des Evettes—Right across from the majestic Aiguilles des Chamonix, you find the Via des Evettes. This fun and, at times, challenging route offers many exciting passages. The initial steep wall might have your arms aching, and the “Himalayan cable span” towards the end will excite you.

Group size: 4 participants per guide.
Minimum height: 1.40cm tall.
Difficulty AD
Route elevation gain:
Estimated route time: about 1h30mn
Overall time: 3-4 hours.

3. Via Ferrata de la Cascade de Bérard
From the hamlet of Le Buet, we start our journey towards the gorge that opens below the Bérard waterfall. In a fresh atmosphere and with an invigorating feel, we follow a succession of various famous via ferrata features, such as a Tibetan bridge, wooden beams, and monkey bridges. We use the well-placed metal rungs and steps to climb the steep walls and go back and forth over the impressive gorge.
At the end of the route, we can buy refreshments at the little café and even discover the “Grotte a Farinet.”

Group size: 4 participants per guide.
Minimum height of participant: 1.40cm tall.
Difficulty AD+
Route elevation gain: 50m
Estimated route time: about 1h-1h30mn
Overall time: 2-3 hours.

4. Via Farinetta
A route that has been established up the mysterious and wild gorge of the Salentze with plenty of exciting moments. The route has 3 sections. The first and easiest starts in the gorge with a cable crossing and a steep climb past a waterfall (graded K3-K4/C). The second part is more airy and physical (graded K4/C), with the third section being very difficult, graded K5/C. The last part is seriously overhanging and demands the fitness of a good climber.

Group size: 4 participants per guide.
Minimum height of participant: 1.40cm tall.
Difficulty K3+ (First part), K4+ (Second part) and K6- (third part)
Route elevation gain: 150m
Route length: 900m (depending on sections made).
Estimated route time: about 1h15 for each of the first two sections. 30mn for the last part.
Overall time: 2h30mn – 4h30mn depending on sections done.
Descent time: About 30-45mn.

Clothes:

Long pants—On hot days, we could wear shorts and T-shirts, but we need to be extra careful not to scratch ourselves.
Gloves – A pair of light gloves to protect their palms and skin.
light wind/weather resistant jacket
Approach shoes – Wearing a pair of approach shoes is optimal, but good running or walking shoes will also work. Beware that the shoes can get scratched, so you shouldn’t bring your beloved sneakers.

Technical gear:

Harness
Helmet
Via Ferrata slings

Extras:
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Snacks
Water

Most Via Ferratas are open from spring to autumn, but some high-altitude routes have a shorter season. During the winter, they are often closed, and certain features, such as cables and bridges, are dismantled.

Only rain and high winds can make us abandon a day on the Via Ferrata. We would typically propose other pleasant activities for the day, but if the weather is terrible, we might need to cancel altogether.

Each Via Ferrata is unique, and we impose different maximum group sizes on each route. Some are easier than others, and we can be larger groups.

for individuals and groups. Get in touch for more information.

EXPERIENCE the beautiful and challenging nature of the higher mountains.

Via Ferrata

Fun & Exiting

Check-list for Via Ferrata

The safety

How do I book?

Private ski Guiding

Group Ski Courses

mountaineering