Have you ever considered Via Ferrata in Verbier ? Whilst at first glance you may feel that this is a little daunting and way out of your comfort zone, haven’t we all wanted to unleash our inner Mallory at some point and reach great heights? There’s really no need for a three month training camp complete with altitude adjustment, just grab a glass of champagne and head for Mont Fort this summer and claim the ultimate bragging rights. There are two methods for consideration that will have you scampering like a billy goat and offer an easy way to traverse a mountain. That’s one more thing off your bucket list this summer!
Exploring by Via Ferrata
Via Ferrata are simple protected paths, with ladders and basic protection aids, and have probably existed in the Alps for centuries, traditionally helping to connect villages to their high pastures. Construction of what could be the precursors of modern via ferratas dates to the growth of Alpine exploration and tourism in the nineteenth century. New to Verbier last summer was the incredible Via Ferrata at Les Gentianes. At 3,000 meters above sea level, revel in the most sumptuous view of the Swiss and French Alps. The use of a guide is not absolutely necessary, but instructors and guides are available if you wish. Offering two routes, depending on levels of fitness and ability, via ferata offer a unique mountain climbing experience. As a general guide, individuals must be taller than 1.4 metres and weigh between 50-100kg. You’ll need a helmet, a climbing harness and a via ferrata set (lanyard), all of which can be provided by our team. The Via Ferrata at Les Gentianes may be accessed from Verbier by travelling to the ned of the Jumbo cable car.
Exploring by Via Cordata
The difference between a Ferrata and a Cordata is that the ironmongery for progression is present but not the safety wire – meaning it’s best advised to utilise a rope to safeguard sections without metalwork. Completed last summer by guides from Nendaz and Verbier, the Verbier Via Cordata infrastructure is fitted out with anchorage points that make it possible to reach the 3,330m summit of Mont-Fort on foot, following a path set out in the rock face and on the ridge of the glacier. The route comprises hiking trails on the Tortin and Mont-Fort glaciers together with rock-climbing sections and is fully accessible by mountain lift from Verbier. Our team recommend allowing around three hours to complete the two kilometres and 500 metres of height difference covered by this itinerary. Once you’ve reached the summit, you can descend by cable car or on foot after enjoying the highest fondue in Europe at the Igloo du Mont-Fort.
The Via Cordata experience is accessible to anyone and is sure to provide big thrills, our team recommend this challenge to help people explore the local mountain terrain, fauna and flora. We’d highly recommend one of our guides accompany you to ensure you follow the path as safely as possible. A second, more technical and longer itinerary runs between the small valleys of Tortin and Cleuson, taking you to Siviez via the Mont-Fort glacier and the footpath located on the left bank of the Cleuson valley. It will take you between six and eight hours to complete the eight kilometre hike and is not for the faint hearted!
Summer in Verbier has so much to offer and highlights one of the most beautiful panoramas in the world. Whether Via Ferata, Via Cordata or via eBike, a summer in Verbier enables you to reconnect with nature, surrounded by idyllic, clean and beautiful environments that challenge your fitness levels. And of course once the evening draws in, our team are on hand to provide unrivalled luxury as a reward for your efforts. Verbier has the best of all worlds to offer, and our team know it like nobody else.
Explore more Summer Activities in Verbier
