Écrins
via ferrata route

La Voie de la Balme Les Vigneaux

Grading

April – November

Timing
20 Mins

Walk in

3 Hours

Via Verrata

40 Mins

Walk out

Details
500M

Length

410M

Ascent

South

Slope Aspect

3536 OT

Map IGN Number

No items found.
How to use the via ferrata guide's

Description:

Next to the village of Les Vigneaux are two great routes. They start at the same point and split about half way up the route, both are long and can feel exposed.

From the sign in the parking follow the main path as it zig-zags up to the base of the cliff.  The start scrambles up rock holds with the odd staple (some of the rock holds are getting polished), mainly traversing and gaining height steadily, as it cuts back on its self it gets steeper with more staples.  At around half way the route splits, the black sportive route goes off to the right. It heads on to steeper ground using rock holds and staples which brings you to a small cave, the exit to the cave is overhanging and strenuous. A short downwards travers brings you to the last long vertical wall which gives you a real sense of exposure, looking back down the valley. As the cable stops follow the easy but exposed path right, until another short section of cable. From the top follow the footpath to a major track, this heads down in to Les Vigneaux, with a sign back to the parking, or go in to Les Vigneaux village with a drinkable water fountain and follow the road back.

Warning this route is a bit of a sun trap and can get very hot in the summer midday sun.

Recommended kit
Climbing technology - Hook it compact - Via ferrata set with integrated connector swivel
3536 OT

Map IGN Number

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