Via Ferratas of the French Alps. Richard Miller
next part (Le Passage du Génépi) follows a gradually rising line until a somewhat strenuous climb of 10m brings you to a narrow, airy ledge. Follow this until a second, similarly strenuous climb of 10m. A little beyond here, you are presented with two options:
1 Keep left to take a straightforward route that ascends gradually around a shallow bay in the cliff-face.
2 Alternatively, go right to cross the slightly wobbly 20m-long bridge (Pont de la Vot’nette) and climb up for 15m. This climb is quite strenuous, with one move halfway up, at the most exposed point, being particularly tricky. Depending on your height you will probably have to make one or two smears with your boots.
Above this, the two routes rejoin and difficulty reduces as the second escape point is passed, heading off to the left along the Sentier des Moutons. To the right is a good rest spot next to a shallow cave (La Grotte des Ardoisiers). Beyond this, a lengthy cabled walk along the Passage du Berger and Balcon du Lac follows. This is briefly interrupted by an easy climbing traverse (La Traversée du Bénitier) before more walking leads to a short climb up the hillside. Above this is a second split in the cable and another choice of options:
1 Go straight up for the harder option, which involves climbing through a short but fairly heavy overhang (La Surplomb du Saix).
2 Go right for a much easier climb.
Both routes quickly re-converge after 15m of ascent. Either head steeply uphill to take the third escape, or descend a little to your right to continue.
Crossing Le Pont de Vorlaz to arrive at La Pointe du Tour
This final part follows a long, more-or-less level traverse (Le Passage du Rasoir), crosses a three-wire bridge (Le Pont de Vorlaz), then climbs around and up a tower (La Pointe du Tour). Progress is not very strenuous but there are a few delicate moves and the climb around the tower feels noticeably exposed. The three-wire bridge is 10m long and reasonably stable. Above the tower the cable continues back along the narrow ridge of the Saix du Tour without difficulty. Assuming a clear sky, compensation for your efforts comes in the form of extensive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The row of peaks just visible over the Swiss border is the Dents du Midi (highest point 3178m).
Return
Continue along the ridge, passing many wild flowers in early summer, and descend to a ski piste. Follow this in the same direction until the first turn to the left, which descends down a gravel road to the centre of Avoriaz. If you are parked on the outskirts of the resort, do not turn left but instead continue straight ahead.
ROUTE 6
Via Ferrata du Mont
| Location | Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, Haute-Savoie (GPS: Lat. 46º 3’ 21.48” N Long. 6º 45’ 28.39" E) |
| Length | 800m |
| Ascent/Descent | 240m |
| Route grading | technical grade: 3; exposure: 3; seriousness: A |
| Total time | 2hrs 45mins (approach: 25mins; route: 2hrs; return: 20mins) |
| Highest altitude | 1010m |
| Map | 3530ET |
| Technical notes | direction: S; escape points: 3 |
| When to visit | March to November |
| Useful website | www.sixtferacheval.com |
This well-designed and scenic via ferrata is extremely popular, and can often be quite crowded. Don’t let that put you off as it has plenty to offer, being a good mid-grade route with several escape points and the unusual option of a long descending traverse. The immediate area is well worth further exploration, especially the nearby Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, a vast natural amphitheatre. Situated at a comparatively low altitude and south facing, the route can be a reasonable option when poor weather prevents access to some of the more elevated routes in the area.
Access
From Cluses, follow the D902 to Taninges and, from there, the D907 through Samoëns towards Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Some 5km beyond Samoëns, at the Gorges des Tines, park on the right of the road, next to the Snack des Tines café.
Approach
Cross the road to a signpost and take the indicated path, which winds steeply uphill through dense tree cover. Turn left at the first junction encountered, and follow more signs and red triangles to the start of the route.
Looking down at the Gorges des Tines from the Passerelle de l’Ou Izès
Route
Initially the route is very easy, involving a long cabled walk up a broad ledge, the Vire à l’Ours, which is briefly interrupted by a short climb. At the end of the ledge, the cable climbs up to a shallow cave, the Barme aux Corbés, and the route becomes a little more serious. Move out onto the rockface and climb up the Dalle des Paresseux for 40m. The ascent is well protected and not particularly arduous but feels reasonably airy.
Above the climb, go left to take the first escape point (Sortie directe) or right to continue with a short airy traverse. This leads to a vegetated area, which is a good place to take a break before passing around a corner (La Becque) and crossing a 13m-long plank bridge (Passerelle de l’Ou Izès). On the other side of the bridge, which is not very stable and quite exposed, a traverse of 20m length leads to a short ladder. The first 10m of the traverse is a little overhanging and reasonably strenuous.
A small traffic jam near the first escape point
Above the ladder a further airy traverse leads to a second escape point. Descend a little from here to the Traversée de l’Ally and follow a long, generally rising, traverse on a mixture of narrow ledges and steep slabs, passing another escape point along the way. The slabs contain a few slightly strenuous moves but are well protected with plenty of rungs. A short climb then passes through a small overhang to reach the top of the bluffs. Descend along the Chemin du Retour until signs indicate a left turn for the Vire du Raffour. Keep right to continue descending by the Chemin du Retour or go left and descend to the top of the Dalle des Paresseux and turn right. The Vire du Raffour utilises a system of gradually descending vegetated ledges. While progress is mostly quite easy, there are several passages of mildly strenuous downclimbing.
Return
Keep your gear on, as the descent path contains one short, easy, cabled section. Having passed this, quickly rejoin the approach path.
ROUTE 7
Via Ferrata de Curalla
| Location | Plateau-d’Assy, Haute-Savoie (GPS: Lat. 45º 56’ 19.09” N Long. 6º 41’ 43.88” E) |
| Length | 400m |
| Ascent/Descent | 350m |
| Route grading | technical grade: 2; exposure: 3; seriousness: B |
| Total time | 2hrs 45mins (approach: 30mins; route: 1hr 30mins; return: 45mins) |
| Highest altitude | 1420m |
| Map | 3530ET |
| Technical notes | direction: S; escape points: 0 |
| When to visit | May to October |
| Useful website | www.passy-mont-blanc.com |
While this via ferrata makes for a pleasant outing in its own right, its greatest virtue is the outstanding views it affords of Mont Blanc (4810m). The route is exposed to the full breadth of the southern aspect of this iconic mountain and its associated peaks, and given clear weather you should be treated to an exceptional panorama. In the event that Mont Blanc is wreathed in cloud, consolation comes in the form of extensive views of the Arve Valley and the busy town of Passy. The ascent involves only a few brief strenuous moments but lacks any escape, is