Fixed rope routes

Via ferrata at Les Gentianes

Edelweiß entlang der Klettersteig

Verbier

7/15°

The via ferrata leads through alpine terrain at over 3000 meters altitude. Discover a route built on solid rock and framed by edelweiss and primrose plants with a beautiful view of the panorama of Val de Bagnes. The information corresponds to that of the “Edelweiss” via ferrata, the easier of the two (Edelweiss and Androsace).

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

1.13 km

Duration

42 m
Edelweiß entlang der Klettersteig
Klettersteig-Skalen
Großartiger Blick vom Gipfel der Via Ferrata
Aufstieg der Via Ferrata

Description

The Edelweiss via ferrata is intended for less experienced people or those who want to warm up before switching to the nearby via ferrata “Androsace”. The route is accompanied by the mythical Swiss flower close to the ibex of Val de Bagnes. 900 rungs and 800 meters of steel cable offer a unique access to the summit of the Monts-de-Cion ridge from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mont-Fort, the Tortin Glacier, and the valley.

Turn-by-turn directions

From the Col des Gentianes, the light blue signs indicate the direction to Mont-de-Cion at an altitude of 2950 meters. Allow about 20 minutes on foot to reach the start of the via ferrata. During the ascent, there is a mix of rungs, rope bridges, and vertical sections. The goal is located on a flat area on the ridge, where you have the opportunity to pause and enjoy the view.

At the summit of Monts-de-Cion, take the exit that leads you back to the starting point. From there, you have the option to tackle the more difficult via ferrata “Androsace”.

Start

Col des Gentianes (2893m)

Destination

Sommet des Monts-de-Cion (2893m)

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Author's recommendation

The via ferrata is equipped with a continuous safety cable “Prisme aeroligne”. Compatible equipment can be rented at the Restaurant des Gentianes for 20 francs per set. You can also use traditional and EN958/2017 certified safety cables throughout the route.

Technical information

Altitude

3038m

2889m

Ascent

+152m

Descent

-152m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Scenic
  • Fauna
  • Summit route
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Flora
  • Cableway ascent/descent
  • Classic via ferrata
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Trains run regularly from Martigny to Le Châble, from where you can take either the cable car or the post bus to Verbier.

From Sion, post buses regularly go to Nendaz.

Approach

From the cable car in Verbier, take the “Jumbo”. From Nendaz, take the chairlift Siviez-Tortin and then the chairlift Tortin-Gentianes. Use of the via ferrata is free of charge. Only travel with the cable cars is chargeable according to the 4 Vallées package.

Parking

Parking is available in Le Châble as well as in the centres of Nendaz and Verbier.

Equipment

A harness with a via ferrata set for self-protection is mandatory for climbing a via ferrata. Due to the risk of falling rocks, wearing a helmet is also a must.

Make sure to have good footwear, appropriate clothing, and sufficient provisions. Gloves provide additional protection for fingers and joints and help prevent abrasions.

Safety information

Weather: Those on via ferratas should consider weather forecasts. A sudden deterioration of weather can be life-threatening. Via ferratas must be avoided when there is a risk of thunderstorms.

Falling rock risk: There is a danger of falling rocks on via ferratas, usually caused by climbers ahead or wild animals. Protect yourself with a helmet.

Safety: When climbing a via ferrata, always keep enough distance from the climber in front. There should only be one person in each anchor section.

Additional information

Further information about the destination can be found here: Verbier

More information: verbier4vallees.ch

Literature

Eugen E. Hüsler, Daniel Anker: The Via Ferratas of Switzerland

Maps

SwissTopo maps: 1:25,000 1325 Sembrancher

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

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