Via ferrata in the Queyras
Summary
Did you say via ferrata?
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 ChalpAltitude 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
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
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 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
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.
Fort Queyras et son échauguette à proximité de la via ferrata
Une via ferrata dans les Dolomites en Italie
Did you say via ferrata?
Yes, yes, via ferrata is an Italian term. We don't think of it as a railroad, although ...
Via ferrata is in fact an ancient technique widely used during the 14-18 war in the Dolomites by the Italian army, hence its name. The army fitted handrails, cables, footbridges and rungs to some of the most difficult passages in order to transport heavy equipment such as artillery pieces.
Since then, rocky bars, ledges, cliffs and overhangs have been equipped all over the Alps to the delight of sports enthusiasts... and thrill-seekers alike. But don't worry, you don't have to be an experienced mountaineer to climb a via ferrata. All it takes is a little self-control to overcome your apprehension, the right equipment and a few tips for beginners, and you're in business.
The equipment
You'll need a helmet, a harness and a via ferrata lanyard with shock absorber and carabiners. All this equipment can be rented from a good sports store. Of course, don't forget to wear good shoes and gloves, cover up properly and bring a rucksack with food and drink.
Where to find via ferrata equipment in the Queyras?
Arvieux - La Chalp
Altitude Sport : 04 92 46 76 58
Intersport-JBS: 04 92 46 77 59
Ceillac
Le Névé Tel: 04 92 45 21 00
La Rosace Tel: 04 92 45 01 69
Tintin Sports Tel: 04 92 45 14 88
Aiguilles
Boule de Neige Tel: 04 92 46 72 03
Sport Service Tel: 04 92 46 70 44
Are you ready? Ready to go?
Did you know? There are more than twenty via ferrata in the Hautes Alpes. Four of them are in the Queyras region.
The via ferrata from Fort-Queyras to Château-Ville-Vieille
Open from April to October, no reservations required.
Departure 2 minutes from the parking lot. F-rated route.
Length 800 m, vertical drop 50 m, maximum altitude 1340 m, duration approx. 45 minutes. Return in 5 minutes.
It runs entirely along the left bank of the Guil, which roars its way through the rock on which Fort-Queyras stands. Recommended for children trying this adventure for the first time.
NB This via ferrata in the Hautes Alpes is the closest to Aiguilles-en-Queyras, Abriès, Ristolas, Molines-en-Queyras and Saint-Véran
La via ferrata de Fort-Queyras au dessus du Guil
Via ferrata de Ceillac, la passerelle de 25 m
The via ferrata of the Rocher de la Clapière in CeilLAC
The via ferrata at Rocher de la Clapière in Ceillac
Open from April to October, no reservation required
Departure 15 minutes from the parking lot. Route rated AD then D
Length 600 m, vertical drop 330 m, ascent approx. 2 hours. Return in 30 minutes.
At the start, a vertical ascent on the rock with a view of Ceillac and its valley. The rest of the route is more tricky because of the spacing between the supports.
Crossing a 25 m footbridge.
The Pra Premier via ferrata in Arvieux
Open from May to October, no reservations required.
Departure 30 minutes from the parking lot. Route rated AD. Length 400 m, vertical drop 200 m, ascent approx. 2 hours. Return in 30 minutes.
After an easy start, climb vertically, then traverse upwards to the left. Another vertical ascent leads to a grassy slope, a traverse over an overhang and the summit.
La via ferrata de Pra Premier à Arvieux
Via ferrata de Combe la Roche à Arvieux
Combe la Roche via ferrata in Arvieux
Open from May to October, no reservation required
Departure 20 minutes from the parking lot. Route rated D
Length 600 m, vertical drop 320 m, ascent approx. 2 hours. Return in 45 minutes.
Difficult via ferrata with magnificent views over the valley. Return via the mountain pastures via Salle-Vieille and Pra Premier.