[VIA FERRATA] around Praz sur Arly

The Haute-Savoie has several via ferrata of varying levels. This is a “vertical” sport, even for beginners, and the security rules should not be ignored, i.e use good shockabsorbers and wear a helmet. The inexperienced must obviously request a guide.

Col des Aravis

Altitude : 1500 m
Time : 3 hours
Approach : 10 mn
Difficulty : D

Comment : A beautiful via ferrata combining the beauty of the scenery with unforgettable passages. The suspended bridge and the overhang are part of them. A lot of gradual crossing and climbing ensure that it is not too daunting and on the whole it is accessible to most climbers.

Mont Charvin

(Héry-sur-Ugine, 20 from Praz)
Altitude : from 1,622 m to 2409 m
Duration: 3h climb, 2h.30 descent
Approach : 40 mn
Difficulté : PD

Comment: this is not a via ferrata in the strict sense of the term. It’s more like an Alpine climb, often with cables, with a beautiful summit to reward you after the effort.

La tour du Jallouvre

(Grand Bornand, 39 km from Praz)
Altitude : from 1,410 m to 2000 m
Duration : 3h of via, 1h.15 of descent
Approach : 15 mn
Difficulty : TD

Comment: this via ferrata is situated in the magnificent Colombière Pass In other words, the scenery alone is worth the climb. However, the via is not much fun. Only after the suspended bridge is there a feeling of being in the air. There is also a lot of walking which will put off those looking for strong sensations. For the others, the beauty of the surrounding mountains will be enough to make them happy.

Thônes

Altitude: 900 m
Duration : 3 hours
Approach : 5 mn
Difficulty : TD

Comment : Thônes deserves its TD (“Très difficile”) rating because the monkey bridge (le pont de singe) is impressive, but above all because the slope at the end is exceptionally long and hard. It can also be avoided. Very aerial climbing.

(Sixt Fer à Cheval, 55 km from Praz)
Altitude : 780 à 820 m
Duration : 3h (+ 20 mn for the return)
Approach : 15 mn
Difficulty : D

Comment: This is a via that is well-adapted to middle-level ferrata enthusiasts. For those who are looking for strong sensations, however, it may lack a little excitement.

Le Saix
(Avoriaz,  70 km from Praz)
Altitude: 1,700 m
Time : 2 hours & 30 mn
Approach : 5 mn
Difficulty : AD

Comment : Reserved for complete beginners because there is no real difficulty. A good climber would finish it in less than an hour and not be satisfied because the scenery isn’t very exciting, the cliff is far from impressive and the rockface is of poor quality.

 Le Roc des Vents

In neigbouring Savoie:

(Beaufort, 50 km from Praz)
Altitude : 2,380 m
Time : 5 hours (+ 30 mn for the return)
Approach : 40 mn
Difficulty : AD

Comment : This is without doubt our favourite. Very accessible, rarely technical, but incredibly beautiful. The scenery, with the Roselend Dam and the Beaufortain alpine pastures, is well worth the trip. Marmots and edelweiss abound, and there is also a tunnel at the end (don’t forget to take a torch). In short, this via is a must!