Via Ferratas of the French Alps. Richard Miller

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ days south-facing routes may be uncomfortably hot, while on cold mornings north-facing routes may be unpleasantly damp.

      Escape points: many routes feature one or more places where it is possible to escape from the via ferrata onto easier ground. For routes that are split into multiple stages, the number given in the route overview box is the total number of escape points for the whole route. The number given in each individual stage overview box is the number of escape points within that stage only. As some escape points are located between the end of one stage and beginning of another, the total number of escape points listed in route overviews is not necessarily always the sum of those listed in stage overviews. In addition, as well as escape points leading off via ferratas and onto easier ground, some multi-stage routes feature escapes that lead from a more difficult stage onto an easier stage (Route 4, for example).

      When to visit

      An approximate indication of the typical season during which a route is open. In practice, this will vary depending on the prevailing weather. Some routes may be closed by the local commune over the winter. If visiting in late autumn or early spring check with the local tourist office as to whether or not the route is open.

      Useful websites

      In most instances these are for the local tourist office. As well as detailing what the local area has to offer, these are potential sources of up-to-date information on routes regarding alterations or closures and may list places to hire gear or guides. Note that a number of these websites are for ski resorts, which typically have separate front pages for winter (hiver) and summer (été), with information relevant to the via ferrata listed on the summer page.

      KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER

       Knowledge of basic French will be useful but is not essential.

       Before deciding to climb a route, read the entire route description.

       If unsure of your abilities, start with an easy route and progress from there (see Appendix A).

       Make sure that you understand how to set up and use your personal safety equipment correctly.

       Always check the state of your safety equipment before each use, particularly if you have hired your gear.

       Do not hesitate to hire a guide if you require extra assurance.

       Do ensure that you are adequately insured.

       It is a good idea to check in advance with the local tourist office whether a route is open.

       Have a back-up plan in the event of a sudden change in the weather.

GENEVA AND THE NORTHERN ALPS

      Mont Blanc and Passy, as seen from the second balance beam on Via Ferrata de Curalla (Route 7)

      Introduction

      Geneva is actually in Switzerland, but serves as a convenient starting point for the routes in the area, being a major regional transport hub. There are air links with a number of UK cities and it takes three to four hours to reach Geneva by train from Paris. Once there, the A41 motorway leads south to Chambéry and Grenoble, and the A40 east to Chamonix and the Mont Blanc tunnel. Located on the Genevois Plain, Geneva is effectively an enclave within France, being separated from the rest of Switzerland by Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). The city is home to a number of national and international organisations and financial institutions, lending the city a cosmopolitan air.

      In the event of poor weather, there are plenty of the usual tourist attractions associated with a city; be warned, however, that if you intend spending any time here it can be very expensive. Anyone on a limited budget should consider staying over the border at Saint Julien-en-Genevois or Annemasse. Further afield there are plenty of towns, villages and resorts that would make a good base, with the attractive lakeside town of Annecy particularly recommended.

      The Giffre Massif, seen from the top of Via Ferrata de la Tour du Jallouvre (Route 8)

      The area covered in this chapter encompasses the Chablais, Haute-Giffre, Bornes, Aravis and Beaufortain ranges within the Alps as well as the southern end of the Jura Massif, which is a separate range from the Alps. These ranges are more accessible than some of those of higher altitude to the east and south, and have a relatively long summer season. The 12 via ferratas described are spread out over a fairly wide area, so allow plenty of travel time if you intend to visit several of them. The routes are fairly representative of French via ferratas, being quite varied in both style and difficulty.

      For tourist information see the websites listed in Appendix D.

      ROUTE 1

      Via Ferrata Fort l’Ecluse

Location	Léaz, Ain (GPS: Lat. 46º 7’ 11.92” N Long. 5º 53’ 24.78" E)
Length	400m
Ascent/Descent	170m
Route grading	technical grade: 2; exposure: 2; seriousness: A
Total time	1hr 30mins (approach: 10mins; route: 1hr; return: 20mins)
Highest altitude	590m
Map	3330OT
Technical notes	direction: SW; escape points: 0
When to visit	March to November
Useful website	www.cc-pays-de-gex.fr/fortlecluse

      Strategically located overlooking the River Rhone at a point where it forces a path through the tail-end of the Jura Massif, the Fort de L’Ecluse guards a major approach route to Geneva. The eponymous via ferrata, which scales bluffs running between the lower and upper bastions of the fort, involves a pleasant and straightforward ascent offering fine views of the river and the Genevois Plain. South facing and situated at low altitude, the route can be visited for much of the year and is suitable for beginners. A visit to the fort, which has been the site of military conflicts from Roman times until the 1940s, is recommended. The fortress is open to visitors from mid-June to mid-September, 1000 to 1830 (entry €5). In 2013 an additional via ferrata/ropes course was added to the internal walls of the Upper Fort (€25 fee); see www.varappe-evolution.com.

      Access

      From Bellegarde-sur-Valserine drive 10km to the east on the D1206. Just prior to entering a tunnel, which passes under the fort, turn right and park. If coming from Geneva, take the D884 and D984 to reach the D1206 just prior to its passage through the tunnel. Turn left at the exit of the tunnel and park.

      Approach

      From the car park, head towards the Lower Fort and turn left up a signposted path, which leads directly to the start of the route.

      Route

      The initially direct climb soon turns into a long rising traverse to the left. СКАЧАТЬ