Via Ferrata near Verbier
A mix between hiking and climbing, via ferrata, or "iron roads" is aided hiking on rock faces.
The routes sometimes include suspended walkways, ladders, and other cables and metal fixed to the rock faces to help you across steep or sheer sections. They vary in difficulty and exposure. The easiest require no prior experience, but do require a proper introduction the equipment. The hardest include sections which resemble rockclimbing.Header...
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Where?
Via Ferratas became popular in Switzerland in the 90s and there are many via ferratas within a short drive from Verbier as well as in the neighbouring countries of France and Italy (its birthplace).
Here are a some areas:
Medran Park
Right in Verbier in the Medran forest, try your hand at a via ferrata-style adventure park. Tightropes between trees and flying foxes. For an additional fee you can also try the climbing wall.
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Moiry Dam
Access: Drive though Sion to Sierre, then continue to Grimentz and the Moiry Dam
Climbing Time: 2hr and 20 min (includes 10 min approach and 10 min return)
Details: overhangs, some rockclimbing, ladder, and a traverse. The 130m final wall is not for beginners.
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Evolène
Access: Through Sion to the town, Evolène
Climbing Time: 1hr and 20 min (includes 5 min approach and 20min return)
Details: vertical wall, traverse, overhanging traverse with a 85m zip line for added adrenaline. (The key for the zip line is in the restaurant to prevent inexperienced people using it.) This via ferrata is not for beginners.
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Le Belvédère, Nax
Good for beginners, but since certain sections are closed it is disappointingly short. Stay on the marked route.
Access: Through Sion to Bramois towards Nax.
Timing: 45 min (includes 5 min approach and 15 min return)
Details: series of ledges and slabs, and two monkey bridges.
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