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ROUTE 7

Via Ferrata de Curalla

Location	Plateau-d’Assy, Haute-Savoie (GPS: Lat. 45º 56’ 19.09” N Long. 6º 41’ 43.88” E)
Length	400m
Ascent/Descent	350m
Route grading	technical grade: 2; exposure: 3; seriousness: B
Total time	2hrs 45mins (approach: 30mins; route: 1hr 30mins; return: 45mins)
Highest altitude	1420m
Map	3530ET
Technical notes	direction: S; escape points: 0
When to visit	May to October
Useful website	www.passy-mont-blanc.com

While this via ferrata makes for a pleasant outing in its own right, its greatest virtue is the outstanding views it affords of Mont Blanc (4810m). The route is exposed to the full breadth of the southern aspect of this iconic mountain and its associated peaks, and given clear weather you should be treated to an exceptional panorama. In the event that Mont Blanc is wreathed in cloud, consolation comes in the form of extensive views of the Arve Valley and the busy town of Passy. The ascent involves only a few brief strenuous moments but lacks any escape, is fairly exposed throughout, and contains several bridges that require a steady head for heights. As such, the route is suitable only for confident beginners. A visit to the nearby Refuge de Varan and further exploration of the Massif de Fiz would make for a worthwhile extension.

Access

Drive to Passy, some 15km west of Chamonix and the Mont Blanc tunnel. From Passy, follow signs for Plateau-d’Assy on a road (D43) that ascends the hillside to the north Just after the plateau is reached and the road levels off, look out for a signpost for the via ferrata indicating a left turn up the Chemin de Curalla. After 300m, park on the left.

Approach

Follow a steep path, turning first right then left at signposted junctions.

The Pont du Varan and Pont d’Assy

Route

Climb up the cliff-face for 35m, making use of abundant fixed protection, until the route levels off. Then follow a gently rising traverse across a series of narrow ledges for 50m. This quickly becomes quite exposed, but is otherwise fairly easy. The ledges disappear and a gap of 18m is crossed by a three-wire bridge, the Pont de Varan. Immediately beyond this a second gap of 7m is crossed by a two-wire bridge, the Pont d’Assy. Both bridges are a little slack and the brief move between the two, which passes around a corner, is one of the most strenuous parts of the route.

Crossing the Pont de Varan with the Aiguille Verte (4122m) in the background

Beyond the bridges, the route passes over a balance beam and continues with a long rising traverse, interspersed with brief vertical sections of climbing. This is well protected where necessary and not particularly strenuous. There are several places where it is possible to rest. Having gained quite a bit of height, cross a second balance beam and pass around a corner. Overcome a third balance beam and climb up for 15m to the top of the cliff. This final climb is the most exposed and strenuous part of the route, so if you are feeling tired take a break and admire the views before going around the corner.

Return

Head east until a broad track is reached. Descend to return to the parking, or alternatively ascend for 30mins to visit the Refuge de Varan.