Living the high life

Vertigo

Aerial routes overlooking Valais’ finest peaks

Release

Some admire the mountains from afar. Others climb them with their bare hands. Less than an hour’s drive from Crans-Montana, three via ferrata routes offer a chance to experience the mountains with a healthy dose of adrenaline… but without the risk of falling. For beginners, the best option is the Belvédère route in Nax (30 min. away). While it is exposed, there’s no approach hike and it requires only moderate physical ability (rated Slightly Difficult+). Mostly vertical — with straight rungs, offset rungs and two monkey bridges — it takes 1-1.5 hours to complete, and features 220 m of elevation gain with rewarding views of the Dents du Midi. For a bigger challenge, try the Evolène or the Leuk Via Ferrata routes.

crans-montana.ch
passionviaferrata.fr