Fixed rope routes

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Fixed rope routes

Belvédère via ferrata

The Nax/Mont-Noble via ferrata in the Val d'Hérens is considered to be one of the least difficult climbs of this kind in the region, and will give you a fantastic view over the Rhône valley.

  • Difficulty

    medium, C

    Difficulty: medium
    C Steep to very steep rocky terrain with many/long exposed passages. Safety elements include cables, iron rungs, pegs and longer or overhanging ladders. A sure foot and a good head for heights required, as well as good physical condition and sufficient strength in arms and legs. Via ferrata equipment necessary, along with safety ropes for people with little experience

  • Length

    1.7 km

  • Duration

    2:00 h

  • Show on map
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Starting in woodland at an altitude of 1000m, the route ascends 220 metres and takes approximately 1½ hours to complete, ending in the village of Nax/Mont-Noble. The starting-point is easily reached via a footpath from the village.

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Turn-by-turn directions

From the hairpin bend, a path into the forest leads you to the foot of the cliff and the start of the via ferrata. The first section is the most demanding: this takes you straight up a few dozen vertical metres to a level where the trees no longer conceal the view of the valley. Next comes a traverse across the rocks without climbing, followed by two rope bridges. You then scale a rock face and climb along the north-west ridge as far as the final exit at an altitude of 1,220 m. After the exit, continue walking uphill along a little track as far as the lookout (Belvédère) for a breathtaking and totally unobstructed view of the whole Rhône valley. To return to the starting point, either directly take the little trail in the forest on the western side of the footbridge, or follow the track near the campsite a little further on. If you are travelling onward by public transport, the best option is to walk up to the village of Nax, served by regional buses.

Start: Switchback beyond Rochers de Nax (990 m)
Destination: Switchback beyond Rochers de Nax (1011 m)

Author's recommendation

Can you make out the sleeping giant? See if you can discover the origins of the name of the village of Nax, which some claim derives from the word “nose” (nasus in Latin). This nose forms part of the silhouette of a face in the rock – which you can see in the photo gallery.

Technical information

  • Altitude

    1229 m 977 m

  • Ascent

    269 m

  • Descent

    255 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 2.0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 4 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 5.0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Scenic
  • Geological highlights
  • Flora and fauna
  • Circular route
  • Completely cable-secured

Public transport

Hourly busses from Sion to Nax.

Approach

Highway A9 to Sion,  take exit 27 (Sion-Est). Continue direction to the Val d0Hérens and take the "Route de Chippis" and "Route de Nax". At the third switchback the beginning of the via ferrata is marked.

Parking

Parking at the third switchback coming from Bramois to Nax. Another parking is situated in the village of Nax near the camping.

Equipment

All climbers must wear a harness. Because of the risk of falling rocks along the route, a helmet is also essential. Ensure you have sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing, and bring a small rucksack with water and a snack. A suitable pair of gloves will protect your fingers and knuckles from grazes.

Safety information

Weather conditions: before setting off to tackle a via ferrata, it is important to check the weather forecast. Bad conditions can make climbing dangerous – particularly in stormy weather.

Rockfalls: because of the risk of falling rocks – usually caused by climbers higher up or by animals – all climbers are strongly advised to wear a helmet.

Safety: always leave sufficient distance between yourself and the climber ahead. There should never be more than one person between two anchor points.

Additional information

Rental:

  • Hotel-restaurant "Ma Vallée" in Nax
  • Tourist office Nax

Find more information about the destination here:

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1306 Sion