Diable via ferrata in Aussois (Maurienne, Savoie)

Duration : 1 day

France, Northern Alps

Level : difficult because of the lenght

from 75 € / p. from 2 to 8 persons

Infos & Booking

Description

Located in Savoie in the Maurienne valley, the via ferrata of the Diable (Devil in english) is composed of 7 varied sections, both in difficulty and in strong emotions. It is one of the most beautiful and longest via ferrata of the Alps, and it is logically one of the references of the via ferrata fans.

Near the resort of Aussois, you evolve in the cliffs of the Forts de l'Esseillon which watch  since 1832 over the Mont-Cenis pass, strategic passage to Italy. Between the Victor-Emmanuel Fort and the Marie-Thérèse Redoubt, you are here in a large cirque which faces the Vanoise National Park.

The landscapes in the gorges of the Arc are grandiose, the atmosphere is wild, especially during low season. Suspended at a hundred meters above the river, you evolve on footbridges, cable bridges or other playful workshops. According to the chosen course, the technical and physical difficulties are very varied, but everyone will be able to have fun!

During this day, I propose you to combine the following courses:

  • La Descente aux Enfers et la Montée au Purgatoire (The Descent into Hell and the Ascent into Purgatory).
    From a (very narrow) skylight of the Fort Victor-Emmanuel, you start by following a path that joins the edge of the cliff. The via ferrata of the "Descente aux Enfers" takes you to the bottom of the gorges of the Arc. At first not very difficult but vertiginous, the route becomes more athletic with overhanging passages until reaching the impressive "Passerelle des Enfers" (Hell's footbridge) dominating the river by about thirty meters.
    From there, the "Montée au Purgatoire" rises in a beautiful quartzite cliff. The following ledges are easy, but the last section, along the Nant waterfall, is very athletic, with overhanging parts. You then reach the Redoute Marie-Thérèse.
  • La traversée des anges (The crossing of the angels).
    This route starts with an easy descent in a succession of ledges and continues with more difficulty with the vertiginous crossing of the Seraphins. This last section is much more physical because it takes some overhanging passages and then a wall. Finally, you arrive at the Pont du Diable.
    A way out is possible at the halfway point.
  • La montée au ciel (The ascent to heaven).
    This is the most famous part of the Diable via ferrata because you can see it in its entirety from the viewpoint of the Redoute Marie-Thérèse. It is also the highest because it dominates the Arc by 200 meters.
    The "Montée au cial" starts from the Pont du Diable, crosses small walls, then the athletic overhang of the Hirondelles and the vertiginous crossing of the detached scale. Fortunately, a few ledges offer welcome breaks. This rather long and physical route ends in a window of the Fort Victor-Emmanuel.

If you want a less sporty and shorter route, I can propose you to climb only the "Descente aux Enfers" and the "Montée au Purgatoire", for a discovery of via ferrata for example.

Program

  • Meeting point in Aussois at the Fort Victor-Emmanuel parking lot.
    It takes about 1 hour to drive from Albertville and 1.25 hour from Chambéry.
  • No approach walk.
  • Duration of the course: one day while enjoying the landscape.
  • No return walk.

The price includes

  • Supervision by the climbing instructor.
  • Loan of safety equipment necessary for the practice of the activity (harness, helmet, via ferrata lanyard with energy absorber).

The price does not include

  • Transport to the meeting point.
  • Personal insurance.
  • Picnic lunch.
  • Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".
Next departures :

No scheduled departure, but you can contact me to book your dates.

Infos & Booking