Gorges de Mauvoisin Via Ferrata | Via ferrata

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Gorges de Mauvoisin Via Ferrata

Gorges de Mauvoisin Via Ferrata Gorges de Mauvoisin 1750 m

Difficulty

K4+
Ascent

1–2:30 h, 200 m
Mountain Experience

1 / 4
Power

3 / 4
Endurance

2 / 4
Psyche

2 / 4

"August 8, 1882, was a glorious day with a clear view of the Alps; many of my acquaintances were already in the mountains, and I could not stay at home any longer. In the afternoon I left for St. Maurice, where I arrived late in the evening." The following evening, after marching through the Val de Bagnes, Bernese lithographer Carl Durheim continued on in the dark from Hôtel de Mauvoisin towards an alp hut, but lost his way and fell into a stream. He was eventually rescued by some friendly locals and lived to tell the tale. So describes his report "Bagnesthal, Mont Avril and the Southern Monterosa valleys", printed in 1882 in the first year of the "Schweizer Alpen-Zeitung" (newspaper). A remark from Durheim on the view from the Mont Avril is interesting even today: "that the glaciers have decreased for many years and especially in recent times, you can also perceive here." Shame he didn't have Facebook or Twitter. In any case, Durheim wouldn't have been able to fall in the stream today. Where it once ran, today lies the 5 km long Lac de Mauvoisin; with a total volume of 210 million metres cubed, it is the fourth largest reservoir in Switzerland. Built in 1957 and extended in 1991, the dam here is 250 m high - the second highest in the country. Just opposite this, a via ferrata runs through the ice- and water sculpted gorge. Three times one must cross over its chasm on wobbly footbridges.

Gorges de Mauvoisin via ferrata, section one: Saxifrage, passing beneath the old arched bridge. © Valais/Wallis Promotion

Gorges de Mauvoisin via ferrata, section one: Saxifrage. © Valais/Wallis Promotion

Gorges de Mauvoisin via ferrata, section two: Tichodrome © Valais/Wallis Promotion

A three-cable bridge on the Gorges de Mauvoisin via ferrata, section two: Tichodrome © Valais/Wallis Promotion

Airy crossings on the Tichodrome. © Valais/Wallis Promotion

Route description

Approach

There are two approaches. With public transport it is best from the bus stop "Pont de Mauvoisin", with private car from the Hotel Mauvoisin. For details, see the approach route.

Saxifrage

This begins with a 15 m long bridge across the river to the right (when ascending) canyon wall. Traverse, with many (somewhat off-putting) ups and downs deeper into the gorge. A bridge belonging to the dam is passed beneath. Later, continue around a corner (exposed) and down into a sort of cove which has a difficult section leading back out- luckily there are many wooden steps. Pass beneath an old arch shaped bridge and finally climb a ladder (ca. 1730 m) up onto this bridge and reach the hiking trail.

Tichodrome

The "Wallcreeper Via Ferrata" (this rare bird breeds in the gorge, which is why the trail is closed until the end of June). It starts as a path under the road bridge and follows an initial long bridge over the gorge. Climb steeply up the rock on the far side, cross a short three-cable bridge, then a second longer bridge back to the original side of the gorge. Continue deeper into the gorge, alternating between easy and difficult sections including some short overhangs. More and more come at you, sometimes you must use the rock to climb an not only the ironwork. A long traverse leads to a second three-cable bridge, after which a jungle bash through overgrown terrain takes you toward an apparent exit. The railing under the hotel is within reach. But on a vertical wall the Via ferrata goes on... A third three-cable bridge and a final longer bridge lead to the last iron steps - and then you're up! The Hôtel du Mauvoisin is a stone's throw away. Descent: Bus. Or, for those travelling by car and who parked at the start, descend on the footpath towards Pont de Mauvoisin.

Additional information

Character: Two-part, very varied and sporty via ferrata through the gorge, where water released from the Lac de Mauvoisin sometimes roars. The first part, 220 metres long (called Saxifrage) is, contrary to the information on the boards on site, only slightly easier than the second, 380 metre long section (Tichodrome). All really difficult passages are short. A total of seven rope bridges (six on part 2) provide additional thrills. At the top is the Hôtel du Mauvoisin and the bus stop. A via ferrata set can be rented at the hotel. This "iron way" is open from 1 July to 31 October.

Time: Total: 2½ hrs

Approach: 5–10 mins

Saxifrage (part 1): 1 hr

Tichodrome (part 2) 1 hr 20 mins

Signalisation: Sign posted

Descent: If travelling by bus: the start of the via ferrata is accessed from the bus stop "Pont de Mauvoisin"; at the end of the via ferrata you can catch one from "Hotel Mauvoision".

Those arriving by car can park at the start or finish of the ferrata: a hiking trail which passes the old arch bridge connects the Hôtel de Mauvoisin to Pont de Mauvoisin / La Vacheresse (approx. 15 minutes) and can be walked before or after climbing the two via ferrata.