Duration
2 h 30
Approach walk
Half an hour
Sporty
Sporty
Varied
Varied
Practical info
- Age : From 12, minimum height 1.50 m
- Monkey bridges : 4 big bridges over the torrent
- Wall : 80°, a few short vertical sections
- Bypasses : Only during the first half hour
Via ferrata
Powerful waterfalls, vibrating nature
We climb up a gorge just above the Bérard waterfalls. What a blast!
A breathtaking climb over crashing waterfalls, on vertical walls climbed on metal rungs, with 4 big monkey bridges spanning the torrent. You are clipped to a safety cable and climb up on metal rungs above the waterfalls.
For fit people, with no experience required. The whole Bérard via ferrata takes place on 80° walls with a few short vertical sections: the effort for your arms is like climbing a ladder at that angle. The greatest effort… is in your head.
Minimum age 12, with a minimum height of 1.50 m, and above all the personal will to do the via ferrata.
How it goes
- Meet at the car parkWe meet directly at the via ferrata car park, at the Bérard waterfalls. OXO provides all the technical gear: harness, double lanyard, helmet and ropes.
- Approach walkHalf an hour on foot, which actually turns out harder than the climb itself.
- The climbMetal rungs, a safety cable and 4 big monkey bridges above the waterfalls. You gain height very quickly: despite many steps and small ledges, the void is everywhere.
- The exit is at the topDuring the first half hour, you can still turn back or abseil down; after that, the way out is at the top.
Gear
Provided by OXO
All the technical gear:
- Adjustable climbing harness
- Double via ferrata lanyard with shock absorber
- Climbing helmet
- Ropes to rope up
To bring
- Sports clothes suited to the weather (hiking style)
- Sports or hiking shoes
- A small backpack
- At least 1 litre of water per person
- A windproof jacket
- Sun protection
- A little snack?
Meeting point
Bérard waterfalls car park, Vallorcine
Bérard waterfalls car park, Vallorcine. We meet directly at the via ferrata car park: don’t walk up to the waterfalls!
Chamonix: 20 min · Saint-Gervais: 50 min.
Take the train! From Chamonix, the Mont Blanc Express train is free with your guest card (ask your accommodation for it). For example: departure from Chamonix centre station at 8.28 am, arrival at Le Buet station at 8.57 am. Please let us know if you come by train.
Photos
You can bring a camera or your smartphone. Be careful not to drop it: it’s better attached!
Frequently asked questions
Is it difficult?
Physically, the Bérard waterfalls via ferrata is not very demanding: the half-hour approach walk is actually harder than the climb itself.
The difficulty lies in the fear of heights. You gain height very quickly and, despite many steps and small ledges, the void is everywhere.
I’m scared: are there ways out?
Not really! During the first half hour, you can turn back or abseil down if someone is really too impressed. After that, the way out is at the top!
Can someone watch us from below?
Yes: they can do the approach walk with you without doing the via ferrata, and will see you throughout the climb from the footbridge overlooking the gorge.
There are also nice walks to do from the Vallorcine via ferrata car park: your guide will gladly give you some ideas.
What do we do with our valuables?
Leave them in the car… or, better, at your accommodation.
