The Yves Pollet-Villard route in La Clusaz
Opened in 1998, this beautiful route which dominates the valley from the border of Borderan bears the name of a great Clusian mountaineer. The entire route, 700 meters long with a drop of 300 meters, is fitted with a metal cable. The starting altitude is thus at 1,500 meters, for a finish at 1,800 meters. Ladder rungs fixed to the rock also punctuate the course. This via ferrata appeals to adrenaline enthusiasts with its vertiginous location. It requires more endurance than technique: the climbing session lasts about two hours, to which must be added 20 minutes of walking from the car park to reach the first step on the cliff 110 meters higher, and 45 minutes downhill for the return. A highlight of the course, the 12-meter-long footbridge over the void is particularly impressive. For the outing, two options are offered: one simple, the other sporty with a pig climbing hanging from a rock overhang. The Yves Pollet-Villard via ferrata is an original and sensational activity that allows you to admire a breathtaking landscape above La Clusaz, a few steps from the Col des Aravis. It is not uncommon to encounter high altitude animals such as marmots, chamois and raptors during the adventure. Spice up your holiday rental stay in La Clusaz!
The equipment to provide
Alpine equipment is absolutely essential to embark on the via ferrata. You will therefore need to be equipped with a helmet, a harness with screw karabiner, two lanyards with shock absorbers, as well as two carabiners with wide opening and automatic locking. For your comfort, mountain boots and a pair of gloves are also highly recommended. Of course, the right outfit is essential: the weather is very changeable at altitude, it is a good idea to slip a windbreaker or a fleece into your backpack. You will also bring water, as the course requires endurance, and a snack. It is recommended that you take a rope on the via ferrata course, especially if you are practicing with beginners or your children. If you have no experience of via ferrata or if you do not have your own equipment, the local mountain guides accompany you on the way by providing you with the equipment. The opportunity to start with a most remarkable site!
Practical information on the via ferrata de la Clusaz
The access car park is located 4 km from the village of La Clusaz. The route is passable from mid-May to mid-November (except in snow or ice conditions), and closes in winter. The difficulty of the via ferrata de la Clusaz has earned it a level D classification, which means it is aimed at intermediate climbers. The option to exit through the overhang takes it to level D +. Very popular in high season, it is more pleasant in spring and autumn for its tranquility, but also to take advantage of pleasant temperatures: the rock face is in fact exposed due south and shines strongly in the middle of July. If you have opted for a vacation rental in La Clusaz in summer, opt for the morning to experience the intoxication of emptiness and height. The Yves Pollet-Villard via ferrata is made up of 11 stages including the first step and the final descent, among which steep walls, niches and hanging balconies, rocky and grassy crossings or a large slab, as well as the emblematic large footbridge 80 meters high.
