The Hautes-Alpes have nearly 30 via ferratas, from the small introductory route above the village to the big sporty wall facing the Écrins glaciers. We have done several: here is how to choose for your level, with our first-hand feedback.
For beginners or families
- L'Horloge (L'Argentière-la-Bessée, F to PD): about 150 m of cable, one of the shortest in France. Back down in 15 min. Ideal for a first try, from about age 10. At the top, the clock tower built in 1922 for the workers of the Péchiney factory.
- Ailefroide gorge, introductory route (Vallouise-Pelvoux, F to AD): footbridges above a torrent full of “glacial flour”, views of the Pelvoux and the Glacier Noir. Suitable from about 1.30 m.
- Rocher du Bez (La Salle-les-Alpes, F) and Torrent de la Combe (Puy-Saint-Vincent, F): two other easy routes.
- Château-Queyras (PD): a via ferrata below a fort, combining climbing and heritage.
- Rouanne (Ancelle, Champsaur): three routes, from yellow (PD) to red (D+). Choose on site according to how the group feels.
To progress (PD to AD)
- Rocher de l'Yret (Neyzets) (Serre Chevalier, PD): a long airy ridge, more committing for its length than its difficulty.
- Les Vigneaux : two routes, La Balme (D) and Le Colombier (AD). About 500 m of cable, 200 m of ascent, 3 h to 3 h 30. South-facing wall: start early in summer.
- Also: Arsine (PD), Aiguillette du Lauzet (PD), Céüse (F to PD), Les Orres (F à D), Gorges de la Durance (PD to D), Rocher Blanc (PD to D).
For the sporty (D and above)
- Tournoux (Puy-Saint-Vincent): you climb up one side of the Col de la Pousterle and come down the other. A 40 m vertical wall (D), then an AD section. Views of the Pelvoux, the Pic Sans Nom and the Ailefroide.
- Ailefroide, sporty route (D/D+): monkey bridge and leaning sections. You need strong arms.
- Grande Falaise at Freissinières (D to D+), Falaise de Paturle at Orpierre (D+), Crêtes de Combe la Roche and Pra Premier at Arvieux (AD to TD), Défilé des Étroits in the Dévoluy (AD to D).
- Unusual ones: the Mines du Grand Clôt at La Grave (D, partly underground) and the Tune underground via (“via souterrata”) in the Dévoluy (AD, head torch compulsory).
Our tips on site
- Start early : many walls face south and heat up quickly in July and August.
- Watch out for storms : in the mountains they often arrive in the afternoon. A cable on a rock face is the worst place to get caught. See via ferrata and storms.
- Combine routes : Vallouise (Ailefroide, Tournoux, Vigneaux, Horloge) can be done in a few days without long drives.
- Check the route's condition before you go: some via ferratas close after rockfall or during works. The local tourist office is the best source.
- Unsure about the level? Read understanding grades and getting started with via ferrata.
All the département's via ferratas are on the via ferrata map, with route pages, reviews and members' photos.