Fixed rope routes

Via ferrata at Les Gentianes

Edelweiß entlang der Via Ferrata

Verbier

-4/2°

The via ferrata leads through alpine terrain at more than 3000 meters altitude. Discover a route built on compact rock and framed by edelweiss and primula plants, with a beautiful view over the panorama of the Val de Bagnes. The details correspond to those 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 Via Ferrata
Klettersteig-Skalen
Wundervoller Ausblick vom Gipfel der Via Ferrata
Aufstieg der Via Ferrata

Description

The "Edelweiss" via ferrata is intended for less experienced people or for those who want to warm up before switching to the also available "Androsace" via ferrata. The route is accompanied by the mythical Swiss flower in the immediate vicinity of the ibexes of Val de Bagnes. 900 rungs and 800 meters of steel cable offer you 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 point you in the direction of Mont-de-Cion at 2950 meters altitude. Expect about a 20-minute walk to the start of the via ferrata. During the ascent, rungs, rope bridges, and vertical sections alternate. The goal is 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 possibility 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 Gentianes restaurant for 20 francs per set. You can also use the 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.

Post buses run regularly from Sion to Nendaz.

Approach

From the cable car in Verbier, take the "Jumbo." From Nendaz, take the Siviez-Tortin chairlift and then the Tortin-Gentianes chairlift. The use of the via ferrata is free of charge. Only the transfer with the cable cars is chargeable according to the flat rate of the 4 Vallées.

Parking

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

Equipment

For walking a via ferrata, a harness with a via ferrata set for self-belay is mandatory. Because of the danger of falling rocks, wearing a helmet is also a must.

Pay attention to good footwear, suitable clothing, and sufficient provisions. Gloves provide additional protection for fingers and joints and prevent abrasions.

Safety information

Weather: Anyone on via ferratas should consider the weather forecasts. A sudden onset of bad weather can be life-threatening. Via ferratas must be avoided if thunderstorms are expected.

Falling rock danger: There is a danger of rockfalls on via ferratas, mostly caused by preceding climbers or wild animals. Therefore, protect yourself with a helmet.

Safety: When walking a via ferrata, always maintain enough distance from the climber ahead. Only one person should be in an anchoring section at a time.

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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