Via Ferrata
Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain! This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly. These days it is a popular sport that makes the thrill of mountain climbing more accessible to children, beginners and those who want a bit more security when they climb.
Following marked routes through the mountains you are helped along by steps, bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety. Suitable for adults and children over the age of 8. Guides can be arranged on request and there are a number of adventure companies who can take you on your Via Ferrata adventure.
Beginners can take their first steps at Lac de le Rosiere, where you will find fairly easy routes on which to find your head for heights! There are more challenging routes at the Croix des Verdons, which can be reaches by taking the Verdons cablecar followed by the Sauliere cable car and then walking for 10 minutes from the top station towards a crest. The route itself is quite physically demanding, leading you down narrow passages and along steep ledges, but is well equipped. The full route should take around 2-3 hours.