LE P’TCHI (JULES CARRET)
SAINT JEAN D’ARGEY, SAVOIE, FRANCE
VIA FERRATA (AD+ > D)
PHYSICAL RATING: 4
VERTIGO RATING: 4
SATISFACTION: 3
via ferrata style: climb
STATISTICS
Departure Altitude: 1067m
Arrival Altitude: 1547m
Climb (or descent): 480m
Length: 860m
Time: 3 hours
SPECIAL FEATURES
Footbridge: 1
Monkey Bridge: 2
Ladder: 0
Zip Line: 0
Net: 0
ACCESSIBILITY
Open: Year round (except when snowing)
Parking: Parking Doriaz, through village of Les Favres
Path from car park descends steeply down to the start.
WHAT TO KNOW!
The mammoth Via Ferrata Jules Carret - Le P’tchi in Savoie France.
Start this course by parking at the Col Doriaz and then walking down to the start, it is a steep path that will take about 30 mins. There is a bonus small via ferrata behind the waterfall at the footbridge at the base. As the well signposted footpath climbs up to the start, it splits in 2 for the 2 different ascents. This is the much easier route.
However, it is AD+ officially but we think this is a real understatement. The course is very physical, long and with a number of vertical pitches with surprisingly large spaced stimples. Becuaae of these factors, anyone under 1m 30 will struggle and be prepared for a long arduous route. The first part is really satisfying. The second part is a little tougher on the arms with long horizontal section with a slight overhang. The end consists of a vertiginous suspension bridge and 2 balance beams. There are 2 rest points along the route and we advise you to use them well. The amazing views at the top are followed by a short walk back to the car park.
This is not a beginner course, and should be only taken on by experienced via ferrata users or climbers.
