Tête aux Chamois Via Ferrata Tête aux Chamois 2524 m
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- Difficulty
- K5
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- Ascent
- 2:30 h, 120 m
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- Mountain Experience
- 1 / 4
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- Power
- 3 / 4
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- Endurance
- 2 / 4
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- Psyche
- 4 / 4
The opening of "Via Ferrata de la Tête aux Chamois" in 1998 marked a turning point in the Helvetic via ferrata history; With the construction of the spectacular route, the French style ferrata arrived in Switzerland. No longer was the summit the goal, rock contact was of minor importance. The result excites one type of person, rather deters the other (e.g. tradition mountaineers): iron 'en masse', bottomless depths under the feet. If you take this iron way at the Tête aux Chamois, you do not have to be a chamois, but you do have to bring along some gymnastic skills and some strong nerves. You can already take stock of it during the cable car ride, where the vertical ridge below Tête aux Chamois comes close, and you might spot a few climbers on the shadowy wall already on their way, moving from one iron bar to the next - like flies on a wall. The sight will either excite, or fill you with dread!
Route description
Additional information
- Character
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Extremely exposed sport via ferrata, according to its French creators (a company from St-Jean-de-Maurienne). Characterised by many airy crossings, and some steep overhanging passages. An absolute highlight is the traverse of Rocher Jaune. The ascent - technically only moderately demanding - requires fearlessness, complete immunity against height and a lot of arm strength. After almost a third of the route is an escape option. Short sling with carabiner highly recommended - for clipping in and resting (NOT to be used as fall-arrest device!).
- Time
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Total time: 3 hrs. Approach: ¼ hr. Ferrata: 2½ hrs. Descent: ¼ hr.
- Signalisation
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Well marked