TIERE, CHAMPERY
VALAIS, SWITZERLAND
VIA FERRATA (D) K3-4
PHYSICAL RATING: 2
VERTIGO RATING: 3
TECHNICAL RATING: 3
SUMMIT RATING: 1
STYLE: GORGE > CLIMB
SATISFACTION: 4
STATISTICS
Departure Altitude: 900m
Arrival Altitude: 1126m
Climb (or descent): 226m
Length: 460m
Time: 1 hour VF (2 1/2 hour hike)
SPECIAL FEATURES
Footbridge: 2
Monkey Bridge: 0
Ladder: 0
Zip Line: 0
Net: 0
ACCESSIBILITY
Open: April to October
Parking:
By car, park at Champery station
By rail, take train to Champery gare. There is a clearly signposted Via Ferrata route using the brown "Via Ferrata" signs from the station.
WHAT TO KNOW!
This is a wonderful Via Ferrata!
Recently refurbished by Dents du Midi region, this classic Via Ferrata is a tale of 2 halves. A hike up a gorge followed by an exposed climb.Â
The climb section of the VF is easily viewable from Champery village centre. To reach the Via Ferrata you must take a 45 minute walk from the centre of Champery down the hill to the river, cross it, and then a clearly marked information board starts a trail up the hill, climb for about 500m until you reach the start of the Via Ferrata across a new bridge. Here you gaze up at the climb and you will just be able to make out the route you will be following.
The first section of the Via Ferrata is a river side hike up the gorge. When you reach the first waterfall after a little bit of a tricky climb, the via ferrata truly begins, with 2 thrilling bridges across the river that have been well designed. After this there is the famous hunt for the 'bear in the cave'!
A little further along the gorge the second section of the Via Ferrata begins - the climb. This section is a continuous part and I would recommend taking a quick rest before you start climbing, because once you go up there is no spot to rest. The climb zig zags up the rockface with horitzontal and vertical sections with much exposure. It is a classic Via Ferrata course and really enjoyable. One small overhang and a few technical sections and you will reach the top. It is over a little too soon, but still great fun, great views and great course design!
