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Via ferrata in the Queyras

Fort Queyras (Hautes-Alpes) and its watch-tower near the via ferrata

 

 

Summary

 

 

 

Did you say via ferrata?

A via ferrata in the Italian Dolomites

 

 

Yes indeed, via ferrata is an Italian phrase – here no one makes railway tracks….But…..

Via ferrata refers, in fact, to an old technique used by the Italian army in the Dolomites during the First World War. Military sappers would fix handholds, cables, walkways and metal rungs in difficult places to enable them to carry heavy military equipment such as artillery guns..

Since that time rocky outcrops, ledges, cliffs and overhangs all over the Alps have been fitted with via ferrata for sportsmen and the adventurous. But to do a via ferrata you don’t have to be an experienced climber. With a bit of nerve, the right equipment, and some advice for the novice, anyone can have a go.

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment

A helmet and a climbing-harness with two lanyards including shock absorbers and carabiners. All these can be hired at good sports shops. Also, don’t forget a pair of strong shoes, protective gloves, sensible clothing and a backpack with food and water.

 

Where to find climbing equipment in the Queyras

Arvieux - La Chalp
Altitude Sport Tel 04 92 46 76 58
Intersport-JBS Tel 04 92 46 77 59
Ceillac
Le Névé Tel 04 92 45 21 00
La Rosace Tel 04 92 45 01 69
Tintin Sports Tél Tel 04 92 45 14 88
Aiguilles en Queyras
Boule de Neige Tel 04 92 46 72 03
Sport Service Tel 04 92 46 70 44

 
 

Ready? Let’s go!

There are about twenty via ferrata in the Hautes-Alpes, four of them in the Queyras.

 

 

 

The via ferrata at Fort-Queyras in Château-Ville-Vieille

The via ferrata at Fort Queyras (Hautes-Alpes) , above the river Guil

 

Open from April to October, no reservation required.
The start of the via ferrata is a two minute walk from the car park. The route is graded ‘F’ (Facile, or Easy).
Length 800 metres, rise 50m, maximum altitude 1,340m, time required approximately 45 minutes. The end of the via ferrata is five minutes’ walk back to the car park.
The route of the via ferrata follows the left bank of the Guil as it roars and forces its way through the rocks on which the fort is perched. This via ferrata is recommended for children who are keen to try the sport for the first time..

NB This via ferrata is the nearest to d'Aiguilles-en-Queyras, Abriès, Ristolas, Molines-en-Queyras and Saint-Véran

 

 

 

 

The via ferrata of Rocher de la Clapière in Ceillac

25 metre walkway on the Ceillac via ferrata

 

 

 

 

Open from April to October, no reservation required.
The via ferrata is a 15 minute walk from the car park. The route is graded ‘AD’ going up to ‘D’ (Assez Difficile puis Difficile, or fairly difficult becoming difficult).
Length 600 metres, rise of 330m, time required approximately 2 hours. The end of the via ferrata is 30 minutes’ walk from the start.The start of the via ferrata is a vertical climb on the rock face with fine views over Ceillac and the valley below. The remainder is more challenging because the climber’s supports are more spread-out. There is a fine 25-metre walkway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The via ferrata of Pra Premier in Arvieux

The via ferrata at Pra Premier in Arvieux

 

 

Open from May to October, no reservation required.
The via ferrata is a 30 minute walk from the car park. The route is graded ‘AD’ (Assez Difficile,or fairly difficult).
Length 400 metres, rise 200m, time required approximately 2 hours. The end of the via ferrata is 30 minutes’ walk from the start.
After an easy start, the route climbs vertically then makes a rising traverse to the left. A further vertical climb gives way to a grassy slope, then the route leads across an overhang to the top.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The via ferrata at Combe la Roche in Arvieux

The via ferrata of Combe la Roche in Arvieux

 

 

 

 

Open from May to October, no reservation required.
The via ferrata is a 20 minute walk from the car park. The route is graded ‘D’ (Difficile, or difficult).
Length 600 metres, rise 320m, time required approximately 2 hours. The end of the via ferrata is 45 minutes’ walk from the start.
This is a challenging via ferrata which gives magnificent views over the valley. The return goes across the upland pastures of Salle-Vieille and Pra Premier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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