Via ferrata de Planpraz | Via ferrata

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Via ferrata de Planpraz

Via ferrata de Planpraz Rochers de Planpraz 1550 m

Difficulty

K5
Ascent

1:20 h, 50 m
Mountain Experience

1 / 4
Power

4 / 4
Endurance

1 / 4
Psyche

2 / 4

This Via Ferrata on the Tour d'Aï (see Tour 29) is a classic on one of the most beautiful panoramic peaks above Lake Geneva. In Leysin, famous as a health resort for lung patients, there has been a second via ferrata since June 2005. The very difficult and sporty Via ferrata at Planpraz, just 20 minutes above the station Feydey, promises pure thrill (necessary arm strength and techniques are prerequisites). You'll need a good hour to tackle the vertical to overhanging rock of this one... In the past, patients were curing their illnesses resting on the balconies of sanatoriums, today mountain lovers are looking for an iron workout to free their lungs and minds. Sedentary sufferance vs active development.

On the outwards hanging ladders. Great fun. © Daniel Anker

Wibbly wobby wooden ways. © Hans Peter Müller

Route description

Approach

Via ferrata de Planpraz

This traversing ferrata has three sections: the first and the third are about the same length, the middle is the longest, although it is still subdivided with a small walking bit along the upper, wooded edge of the rock band. The Via Ferrata de Planpraz gets straight into it, and remains reasonably homogenous throughout. A two-cable bridge provides adrenaline. After a passage in the vertical you come to a wooden balance beam, after which you really have hang on the arms, and before the first escape option. Theres another overhang to overcome in the second section, which you can recover from on the top of the rock band. Some pushy elements and another wooden beam lead to two wobbly bridges. Shortly thereafter you come to the second escape opportunity (a vertical wooden ladder). The third part is astounding with two outward-hanging metal ladders, on which you have to climb either up or down with your back against the wall. A bit more traversing brings you to terra firma where you can finally take a deep breath.

Additional information

Character: K5 for this well-secured, less exposed, three-section ferrata near the village; the second and third sections are a touch lighter (K5- !!!). Don't worry, the overhanging passages can always be overcome; they are never too long, and hanging on the crook of an arm can be a useful trick when changing carabiners. Not carrying a massive backpack helps too. Since the route was set up on a wide but relatively short cliffband, it mainly consists of traverses with short ascents and descents. There are several bridges, where you have to hang right in the rope; so it is taut. A very good practice via ferrata in this level of difficulty. Shady in summer, in spring and autumn, when the leaves are thinner, it gets more sun. The via ferrata material can be rented from Hefti Sports in Leysin.

Time: Total time: 2hrs.

Approach: 20min.

Ferrata: 1hr 20min.

Descent: 20min.

Signalisation: Well marked

Descent: Follow the path at the foot of the rocks back to the start (of course you can, if there are no other people, go back through the Via ferrata ...).