If you’re not an experienced rock climber but still want height, challenge and big mountain views, via ferrata in Chamonix offers an ideal starting point.

Via ferrata routes let non-climbers move safely across steep terrain. Fixed cables, ladders and metal rungs guide you along the rock while you stay clipped in with a harness and safety lanyards. You get the feeling of climbing without needing technical climbing skills. This makes via ferrata a rewarding way to experience the mountains.

Via ferrata: what you need to know

Chamonix sits at the heart of alpinism and continues to expand its range of outdoor activities. In 2016, the valley opened its first dedicated via ferrata route at La Flégère. This added a new activity that visitors can access directly from Chamonix.

Before this route opened, most people travelled to Passy to try the Curalla via ferrata. That route remains popular today. The Flégère via ferrata now gives people staying in Chamonix a much more convenient option.

Via ferrata in Chamonix works particularly well in summer. The routes combine accessible climbing with wide views of the Mont Blanc massif. Confident beginners, families with older children and active holidaymakers all enjoy this activity.

Via ferrata history

The term via ferrata comes from Italian and means “iron way”. During the First World War, armies installed fixed cables, ladders and metal steps in the Dolomites. Soldiers used them to cross steep and dangerous terrain along the Italian–Austrian border around 1915.

After the war, climbers adapted these routes for civilian use. Via ferrata became a mix of hiking, scrambling and climbing. Unlike traditional climbing, it relies on permanent safety cables and fixed aids rather than ropes and anchors placed by the climber.

Throughout the 20th century, local climbing communities and alpine clubs developed new routes. From the late 1980s onwards, mountain regions expanded via ferrata networks to attract a wider range of visitors and offer accessible alpine adventures.

Today, via ferrata remains popular because it allows people to move through dramatic mountain terrain in a controlled and secure way. It delivers exposure, adventure and views without the demands of technical climbing.

Via Ferrata in Chamonix

Via des Evettes

The Via des Evettes is Chamonix’s main via ferrata route and offers a challenging, exposed alpine experience with spectacular views over the Mont Blanc massif.

The route is accessed via the Téléphérique de la Flégère, which has since been fully upgraded and now provides fast, modern access to the Flégère area. From the top station, a short and straightforward hike leads to the start of the via ferrata near the Évettes chairlift.

Via des Evettes is recommended for participants aged 13 and over with a good level of fitness and a head for heights. The route is divided into two distinct sections.

The first section serves as a warm-up and includes a dramatic Himalayan-style suspension bridge, offering immediate exposure and impressive views. The second section is more technical and physically demanding, with multiple ladder climbs that require upper-body strength, balance and cardiovascular fitness.

Overall, Via des Evettes is graded as difficult. It is best suited to confident beginners looking for a challenge, or those with previous via ferrata experience who want a sustained and rewarding route within the Chamonix valley.

Via ferrata equipment

If you book a guided via ferrata in Chamonix, your guide usually provides all technical equipment. If you plan to go independently, you can rent everything you need from outdoor shops in Chamonix town centre.

You need a standard climbing harness that fits securely and comfortably. A helmet is essential. It protects you from falling rocks and from contact with metal fixtures or the rock face.

You also need a via ferrata set with two lanyards and two carabiners. Modern sets use a “Y” configuration. This keeps both arms clipped to the safety cable at all times. It makes moving between sections safer and smoother. The system still works if you clip one arm briefly.

An energy absorber forms part of the via ferrata set and plays a vital safety role. If you fall, it tears in a controlled way to reduce impact forces. Because it works only once, always check rental equipment for signs of tearing. Ask for a replacement if needed. Guides usually carry spare absorbers during the route.

Via ferrata carabiners have a wide opening and a spring-locking system. You can operate them with one hand. They withstand high fall forces and carry a “K” marking. The letter stands for Klettersteig, the German term for via ferrata.

In addition to the two main carabiners, carrying a third carabiner or rest strap helps. You can clip it to the ironwork during hard sections. This allows you to rest your arms and recover.

If you go without a guide, some experienced users carry a short rope and belay device. This adds extra security when climbing with less confident partners.

Personal equipment and preparation

Wear sturdy sports shoes or approach trainers with good grip. These help you move confidently on rock and metal surfaces.

Carry a small backpack with water and snacks. Add sunscreen, spare layers and weather protection if needed.

Good fitness matters on via ferrata routes, especially at altitude. Mental focus matters too. Turning back can feel as demanding as continuing.

Fingerless cycling gloves can improve grip. They also reduce hand fatigue on ladders and cable sections.

Need to know

The Via des Evettes via ferrata in Chamonix offers wide mountain views. You can see the Mer de Glace glacier and the sharp spires of the Drus. On clear days, the Mont Blanc massif and the Aiguille du Midi dominate the skyline.

Bring a camera if you like. Guides may ask you to put it away on technical sections. You need both hands free in exposed areas.

After finishing the route, a short walk leads back to the La Flégère mid-station. This is where you arrived by cable car. If you want to extend the day, you can hike on to Lac Blanc. The walk takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Flégère area.

Other via ferrata routes near Chamonix

If you enjoy the Via des Evettes and are looking for a step up in difficulty, there are several excellent via ferrata routes within easy reach of Chamonix.

Passy

One of the most popular options is the Curalla Via Ferrata in Passy. This route is often described as “vertical hiking” and typically takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours to complete. Access involves an uphill walk of around 40 minutes from the starting point near the buvette (snack bar), where equipment rental is usually available.

The Curalla route is graded as difficult and follows a continuous line with no intermediate entry or exit points, meaning once you start, you must complete the full course. It is well suited to confident participants with good fitness and a head for exposure.

Saint Gervais les Bains

Another option is the via ferrata in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, which remains one of the longer and more varied routes in the region. The full course takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes and features multiple entry and exit points, allowing for shorter variations if needed.

The main access point is at the thermal park in Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet. A second entry point, and optional exit, is located at a footbridge suspended around 50 metres above a mountain torrent. A further exit is available later at the Saint-Gervais bridge.

This via ferrata becomes progressively more challenging as you advance. The first section is graded as fairly difficult, while the second and third sections are graded as difficult, with several overhanging sections that require good upper-body strength and stamina.

Visitors should note that equipment rental is not available at the start of the Saint-Gervais route, so all necessary via ferrata gear must be brought with you.

Why Try Via Ferrata in Chamonix

Via ferrata in Chamonix offers a unique way to experience the mountains, combining adventure, accessibility and unforgettable alpine views. Whether you’re trying via ferrata for the first time or progressing to more challenging routes nearby, the Chamonix valley provides a wide range of options for different abilities and confidence levels.

With well-equipped routes, spectacular scenery and easy access from the valley, via ferrata is a rewarding addition to any summer stay in Chamonix. It’s an activity that allows you to move through dramatic mountain terrain, challenge yourself safely, and see the Alps from a completely different perspective.

If you’re looking to add something memorable to your Chamonix holiday, via ferrata is well worth including in your mountain itinerary.