Читать книгу Via Ferratas of the French Alps - Richard Miller - Страница 16

ROUTE 5

Via Ferrata du Saix du Tour

Location	Avoriaz, Haute-Savoie (GPS: Lat. 46º 11’ 25.86” N Long. 6º 46’ 39.88" E)
Length	600m
Ascent/Descent	225m
Route grading	technical grade: 3 (variant: 4); exposure: 3; seriousness: B
Total time	3hrs 15mins (approach: 20mins; route: 2hrs 25mins; return: 30mins)
Highest altitude	2023m
Map	3528ET
Technical notes	direction: SW; escape points: 3
When to visit	May to October
Useful website	www.avoriaz.com

The ski resort of Avoriaz cannot be described as the most attractive of places. During the summer, this jumble of architecturally dubious apartment blocks typically resembles a building site, but this is more than compensated for by the beauty of its mountain setting as well as the presence of a high-quality via ferrata crossing heavily striated bluffs above the resort. With several escape points and two variants, the via ferrata offers a wide variety of challenge; however, the general standard is reasonably demanding, especially for the first half of the route. There is quite a lot of rock contact in places and a pair of boots with good grip, and a rest lanyard, are recommended. The route is situated at a relatively high altitude and due consideration should be given to the effects of poor weather. Watch out for some loose rock on and above the route.

Access

From Morzine, follow the D338 to the ski resort of Avoriaz. The resort is theoretically car-free for most of the year, so you may have to park on its outskirts. Walk (or drive if permitted) through the centre of the resort via Rue des Traîneaux. At the bottom of the road look out for a large via ferrata information panel next to a small car park and a Sherpa supermarket.

Avoriaz, from the Passage du Berger

Approach

From the Sherpa supermarket, walk downhill along a gravel track for a minute and then turn left at a sign for the via ferrata. Follow a clear path up grassy slopes to the base of the bluffs.

Route

Start with a climbing traverse (l’Emotion). This gives a good idea of the nature of the rest of the route. A short down-climb on hidden stemples is followed by an awkward move around a corner. Arrive at the first escape point.

The next part (Le Passage du Génépi) follows a gradually rising line until a somewhat strenuous climb of 10m brings you to a narrow, airy ledge. Follow this until a second, similarly strenuous climb of 10m. A little beyond here, you are presented with two options:

1 Keep left to take a straightforward route that ascends gradually around a shallow bay in the cliff-face.

2 Alternatively, go right to cross the slightly wobbly 20m-long bridge (Pont de la Vot’nette) and climb up for 15m. This climb is quite strenuous, with one move halfway up, at the most exposed point, being particularly tricky. Depending on your height you will probably have to make one or two smears with your boots.

Above this, the two routes rejoin and difficulty reduces as the second escape point is passed, heading off to the left along the Sentier des Moutons. To the right is a good rest spot next to a shallow cave (La Grotte des Ardoisiers). Beyond this, a lengthy cabled walk along the Passage du Berger and Balcon du Lac follows. This is briefly interrupted by an easy climbing traverse (La Traversée du Bénitier) before more walking leads to a short climb up the hillside. Above this is a second split in the cable and another choice of options:

1 Go straight up for the harder option, which involves climbing through a short but fairly heavy overhang (La Surplomb du Saix).

2 Go right for a much easier climb.

Both routes quickly re-converge after 15m of ascent. Either head steeply uphill to take the third escape, or descend a little to your right to continue.

Crossing Le Pont de Vorlaz to arrive at La Pointe du Tour

This final part follows a long, more-or-less level traverse (Le Passage du Rasoir), crosses a three-wire bridge (Le Pont de Vorlaz), then climbs around and up a tower (La Pointe du Tour). Progress is not very strenuous but there are a few delicate moves and the climb around the tower feels noticeably exposed. The three-wire bridge is 10m long and reasonably stable. Above the tower the cable continues back along the narrow ridge of the Saix du Tour without difficulty. Assuming a clear sky, compensation for your efforts comes in the form of extensive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The row of peaks just visible over the Swiss border is the Dents du Midi (highest point 3178m).

Return

Continue along the ridge, passing many wild flowers in early summer, and descend to a ski piste. Follow this in the same direction until the first turn to the left, which descends down a gravel road to the centre of Avoriaz. If you are parked on the outskirts of the resort, do not turn left but instead continue straight ahead.