A family party crossing the Passerelle de l’Ou Izès (Route 6)
4 VF du Rocher de la Chaux, Stage A Mini Via Ferrata
15 VF École de Rossane
17 VF la Grotte du Maquis
21 VF du Lac de la Rosiere
24 VF du Plan du Bouc, Stage B Parcours en Falaise
25 VF de Pralognan, Stage B Parcours Ouistiti
27 VF Roc de Tovière, Stage A 1ère Partie
29 VF d’Andagne, Stage A Itinéraire Pierre Blanc
32 VF du Diable, Stage A Les Angelots
33 VF de L’École Buissonnière
35 VF de Poingt Ravier
38 VF de St-Colomban-des-Villards, Stage A VF École du Rocher de Capaillan
43 VF de l’Alpe du Grand Serre, Stage A VF de la Cascade
52 VF du Rocher du Bez
55 VF de la Schappe
57 VF de l’Horloge
60 VF du Torrent de la Combe
61 VF Gorges d’Ailefroide, Stage A Via Facile
Dangers
Weather
In common with all mountain ranges, the French Alps are subject to rapid and unpredictable changes in the weather. Prior to setting out on a via ferrata, you should obtain an up-to-date weather forecast. Meteo France, the French state weather service, is the best source of information, with forecasts tailored specifically to the Alps. This can be obtained from www.meteofrance.com, or via television and radio broadcasts. Tourist offices will normally post a recent forecast, which is sometimes available in English. Otherwise, the staff should be able to translate the French-language forecast for you.
Light rainfall should not normally prevent the use of a via ferrata, although it may reduce the grip offered by rock-holds. Routes should be avoided altogether during or after periods of snowfall or when icy. At higher altitude, routes may ice over at any time of year during cold snaps. After snowfall, or during spring or early summer on higher-altitude routes, avalanche may be a risk. Routes should also be avoided when storms are forecast, due to the risk of lightning strike.
The Belledonne Massif from the Col de la Croix de Fer (near Route 37)
Should you find yourself caught out on a via ferrata by bad weather then, if possible, leave by the nearest escape path. If unable to do so, take shelter until the worst has passed. If lightning is present try to isolate yourself from the surrounding rock. If your pack is large enough, sit on it and distance yourself from any metal items, such as walking poles or ice axes. The via ferrata cable and other metallic elements conduct electricity, so if it is possible to move away from them without compromising safety, do it. Avoid high points such as summits or ridges. Stay in the open and avoid sheltering in caves and other shallow indentations in the rock or under boulders and trees. If these features are struck by lightning, the electricity will take the most economical route to ground, which may be via you. Open depressions in the ground can be a relatively safe place to take shelter.
Hypothermia is also a risk during sudden storms, when the temperature may drop considerably. Put on any spare clothing and try to keep dry. Conversely, during hot periods, you should be aware of the risk of sunburn and heat exhaustion. Carry sunscreen and plenty of water.
Loose rock and fixed protection failure
The fixed equipment used to protect French via ferratas, as well as the rock surrounding the route, is normally checked regularly. However, you should exercise common sense and, if in any doubt about the quality of a hold, give it a solid whack with your boot or fist. It it moves or sounds hollow, do not rely on it to take your weight. Report any equipment in a dangerous state, or conspicuously loose rock, to the local tourist office.
If there are climbers above you, be aware of the possibility that they may dislodge stones as they progress. Be similarly wary of knocking stones onto anyone below. If you do so, warn them of the risk (see Appendix C).
Dogs
In recent years a number of wolves were reintroduced to the French Alps, having been eradicated from the area in the 1930s. As a result of their increasing predation of sheep, shepherds have been encouraged to guard their flocks with Pyrenean mountain dogs, known locally as pastous. These live with the sheep while on high pastures. Although it is exceptionally unlikely that you will see wolves, you may well meet a pastou. Although they look like a large pale golden retriever, they share none of that breed’s placidity and by instinct will act aggressively to anyone they perceive to be a danger to their flock. To avoid the possibility of attack, try to give any flock of sheep or goats encountered on the hill as wide a berth as possible. However, it is often not easy to differentiate the dog from its flock until it has started to approach. Should you encounter one or more pastous, they will most likely check you out, perhaps with a show of aggression, and then dismiss you as a threat. Do nothing to dissuade them of this opinion, and maintain a calm demeanour while attempting to move away from the flock. Keep any poles or cameras, which they may find threatening, discreetly stored.
Accidents and mountain rescue
Every year many thousands of people use via ferratas without suffering any sort of problem. Nevertheless, accidents, some of them fatal, do occur on these routes. There is no authoritative source of information on the causes of accidents, but it is highly probable that the majority result from the incorrect use of personal self-belaying equipment or failing to clip onto the cable.
If you have an accident and require rescue, you must raise the alarm (see Mountain safety for information). French mountain rescue teams are trained in via ferrata rescue techniques, but their service is not free of charge. Therefore, it is essential that you are appropriately insured.
A mountain rescue team practising on the Parcours Grotte à Carret (Route 16, Stage B)
Insurance
In addition to the standard terms of travel insurance, you should ensure that your policy covers the use of via ferratas. This activity should be named specifically within the policy document. You should also check that the routes you intend to visit are not higher than the maximum altitude permitted by the policy. The British Mountaineering Council and Austrian Alpine Club both offer cover that is well adapted to mountaineering activity.
Additionally, European Union citizens should obtain a current European Health Insurance Card (previously know as an E111 form) prior to travelling. This entitles you to a discount on emergency healthcare (search ‘EHIC’ at www.nhs.co.uk), but should not be thought of as an alternative to travel insurance.
Mont Blanc seen from the highest point on Via Ferrata Le Roc du Vent (Route 12)
Using this guide
The routes are divided into six chapters, each representing a distinct geographic area. However, this division is highly arbitrary and you should combine