From Introduction Level | Private Guiding
From Introduction Level | Private Guiding
♦ Experienced UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guides
♦ Choice of several different via ferratas around Chamonix
♦ Impressive and fun
♦ Family & friends adventures
Check our Grading Page
Best to book in advance, but last minute can work if guides available.
Via Ferrata
“Via Ferrata”—Steel Way—originates from South Tyrol and Trentino in Italy. During the First World War, soldiers carved intricate pathways through the cliffs and along the vertical sides, vital for patrols and supplies. These pathways were equipped with metal rungs, steps and ladders for the troops to pass through. 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.
Via Ferratas are found on steep rock walls, which only the best rock climbers can pass without the Via Ferrata equipment. For everyone else, using the equipment is the only way to experience and get a taste of this vertical world. 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 great 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.
What if the weather is bad?
If the weather changes, e.g., an approaching storm, we cannot embark on the Via Ferrata. As the routes are equipped with metal rungs and cables, a possible lightning storm could be dangerous. Most Via Ferratas have good escape routes, but retreating on others could be difficult and time-consuming.
Sometimes, we might have to change to a different Via Ferrata than the one agreed upon or even convert the day to other climbing-related activities (E.g. rock climbing, Via Corda).
Around Chamonix, we have a good choice of interesting and exciting routes. The best are listed below.
1. Via Ferrata de 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: Max. 4 participants per guide.
Minimum height: 1.50cm tall.
Difficulty AD+
Length: 400m
Estimated route time: about 1h30mn – 2h.
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: Max. 5 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: Max. 5 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 three 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: Max. 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.
Summer 2025
| Via Ferrata | Half-day group price | Regular group price |
|---|---|---|
| Via des Evettes | 380€ (1-3 participants) – 440€ (4-5 participants) | 500€ (1-3 participants) – 600€ (4-5 participants) |
| Berard Valley | 380€ (1-3 participants) – 440€ (4-5 participants) | 500€ (1-3 participants) – 600€ (4-5 participants) |
| Via Curalla | Not available as a half-day | 500€ (1-2 participants) – 600€ (3-4 participants) |
| Via Farinetta | Not available as a half-day | 550€ (1-2 participants) – 650€ (3-4 participants) |
The prices show the guide’s day rate according to the number of participants.
Take a look at what is “Included” and “Excluded” under the price table.
The Berard Valley and the Evettes Via Ferrata can be booked as half-day outings. As such, we will typically start early (around 8 o’clock) or in the afternoon. The guide will let the group know, at the latest in the evening, in advance what time the start will be. As a half-day outing, the guide might have other commitments on the same day, and the tour will be limited to a 4-hour round-trip.
When booked at the regular price, the guide will not have other commitments for the day, and the meeting time can be more flexible. The group will have more time to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch after the Via Ferrata.
Some Via Ferrata climbs are only suitable for smaller groups, and a maximum number of people is shown on our suggested Via Ferrata outing.
Included
UIAGM/IFMGA guide
A professional mountain guide will lead, instruct the group, and ensure security.
Group equipment
All ropes, carabiners & safety gear
Via Ferrata slings, Harness & Helmets
We will provide the Via Ferrata slings, helmets, and harnesses if you don’t have your equipment.
Excluded
Any cost not mentioned in the “Included” section. The most important ones are:
Personal equipment
Check the gear section.
Lunches & drinks
Bring a sandwich/water bottle
Insurance
You should make sure you are adequately insured. Check our page on insurance.
Lift tickets
In Chamonix, we only need a lift ticket for the Via des Evettes.
Transport
We strive to make meeting points easily reached with—the valley bus/train system. If we have cars (guide + potentially client car), we will use them when needed.
If we drive further away, the participants must pay the transport cost (fuel, parking, road tolls, tunnel fee, etc.).
The prices show the guide’s day rate according to the number of participants.
Take a look at what is “Included” and “Excluded” under the price table.
The Berard Valley and the Evettes Via Ferrata can be booked as half-day outings. As such, we will typically start early (around 8 o’clock) or in the afternoon. The guide will let the group know, at the latest in the evening, in advance what time the start will be. As a half-day outing, the guide might have other commitments on the same day, and the tour will be limited to a 4-hour round-trip.
When booked at the regular price, the guide will not have other commitments for the day, and the meeting time can be more flexible. The group will have more time to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch after the Via Ferrata.
Some Via Ferrata climbs are only suitable for smaller groups, and a maximum number of people is shown on our suggested Via Ferrata outing.
Included
UIAGM/IFMGA guide
A professional mountain guide will lead, instruct the group, and ensure security.
Group equipment
All ropes, carabiners & safety gear
Via Ferrata slings, Harness & Helmets
We will provide the Via Ferrata slings, helmets, and harnesses if you don’t have your equipment.
Excluded
Any cost not mentioned in the “Included” section. The most important ones are:
Personal equipment
Check the gear section.
Lunches & drinks
Bring a sandwich/water bottle
Insurance
You should make sure you are adequately insured. Check our page on insurance.
Lift tickets
In Chamonix, we only need a lift ticket for the Via des Evettes.
Transport
We strive to make meeting points easily reached with—the valley bus/train system. If we have cars (guide + potentially client car), we will use them when needed.
If we drive further away, the participants must pay the transport cost (fuel, parking, road tolls, tunnel fee, etc.).
We either drive together or meet at a set venue. The guide will hand out the Via Ferrata equipment, and we will walk to the start of the route. A small backpack is necessary for the gear, water, and jacket.
Arriving at the foot of the route, we put on our harnesses and helmets and attached the slings. The guide will rope the team up for the steeper and more exposed sections, and we move together, clipping in and out of the metal cable and using the rope for added protection.
We will make several small stops along the route for drinks, photos, and rest. When we reach the summit, we can enjoy the views and have a well-deserved break. The descent is often not too long.
Depending on the weather, you can wear shorts or long-legged pants. Long-legged pants protect against scrapes from touching the rock.
You must bring a light wind & rain-resistant jacket as the weather can change quickly.
Shorts or long-legged pants
T-shirt
Light jumper
Rain jacket
Approach shoes/running trainers/boots
Via Ferrata gloves (gardening gloves can work)
Small, light & compact backpack
Via Ferrata set*
Helmet*
Harness*
*We can provide these items, but you must let us know beforehand.
Food and drinks
Small first-aid set
Mobile phone
Sunscreen
Tour Grade: From 1/From A
Please read through the requirements for participating in this tour and follow the link to the “grading page.”
Technical Level
Even the easiest Via Ferrata requires sound and precise footing as a base. As they become more complicated, any climbing experience will come in handy, such as using foot and handholds on the rock and using the body’s flexibility and core strength to negotiate steep and overhanging terrain.
Fitness
It would be best if you were reasonably fit for even the easiest Via Ferrata. As the difficulty rises, more muscular arms and legs are required.
Read more on the grading page, and about the various Via Ferrata, we do.
General Information
Getting to Chamonix or the course venue
For most of our clients, the easiest way to get to Chamonix or the Alps, in general, is by plane. The nearest airport is Geneva.
Read more about getting to Chamonix here – Click here.
Valley accommodation
Not everyone wants the same accommodation type, so we rarely include Valley accommodation. Check our suggested hotels, B&B, and campsites on this page – Click here.
If you want us to include hotel nights in the price, please let us know what standard you are looking for.
Insurance
You must take out search & rescue, repatriation, and cancellation insurance. Read more about insurance here – Click here.
Safety
We believe our finest task is to give every client a unique mountain experience without taking unnecessary risks. The experience of the mountain guide, access to the most recent weather forecasts, and information sharing between guides are some of the important elements for making good and sound judgment calls. Suppose conditions or other situations render an attempt at a peak dangerous, avalanche conditions of a ski tour no longer possible, etc.. In that case, the guide will do his/her best to devise a good alternate plan. This might be a 100% change of the program. Emphasis is put on staying safe and having a great time!
Mountain huts
In some of our courses, we stay in mountain huts. On hut-to-hut trips, they are part of the itinerary; at other times, we use them as the starting point for a climb or ski tour.
The mountain huts offer basic accommodation in bunk-style rooms. Blankets and duvets are in the huts, so you don’t need to bring a sleeping bag. It is obligatory to bring a sleeping bag liner.
We are served a simple breakfast and a 3-course dinner (soup, main meal, dessert).
We will let the guardian of the hut know if you are on a special diet (vegetarians, allergies, etc.). Vegans will need to bring supplementary food.
There are hut slippers available for use inside the hut.
It’s helpful to bring cash for personal expenses (water, soft drinks, beer, lunches, etc.)
There is mostly no tap water in the huts, and you must buy bottled water.
You will be able to charge your phone.
Some mountain huts have showers. You must mostly pay for this; only a few huts can provide towels.
Make a booking
Please read through all the course information. Please make sure that you have the required level to join the course.
Contact us if you have any questions.
Read more about the booking process here – Click here.
We will need all to join a course to complete our “Participation Form.”
