Discover the Via Ferrata in La Clusaz : thrills guaranteed above the Col des Aravis

In La Clusaz, autumn reveals a very special side of the mountains. The peaks are ablaze with colour, the alpine meadows turn gold and red, and the summer crowds fade away. It’s the ideal season to recharge, reconnect with nature and try something new. Among the many outdoor activities, via ferrata has become a true favourite over the years.

What exactly is a Via Ferrata ?

The term via ferrata — literally “iron path” in Italian — refers to a protected climbing route built into the rock face. Steel rungs, cables and footbridges make the climb easier and safer, as participants are continuously attached to a safety line. The activity sits somewhere between hiking and climbing, offering both the accessibility of a sporty walk and the thrill of vertical adventure.

A bit of history

The first via ferratas appeared in the Italian Dolomites during the First World War, built to help soldiers move through steep alpine terrain. Decades later, the concept evolved into a recreational activity and spread across Europe’s mountain ranges. Today, France alone boasts over 200 official via ferrata routes, each offering its own unique scenery and challenges.

The Yves Pollet-Villard Via Ferrata in La Clusaz

Perched above the Col des Aravis, the Yves Pollet-Villard via ferrata is one of Haute-Savoie’s most renowned routes. Spectacular yet accessible, it combines adventure, altitude and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. It’s a must-try experience for sporty families, groups of friends or anyone seeking an unforgettable alpine thrill.

How difficult is the Yves Pollet-Villard Via Ferrata ?

The La Clusaz via ferrata is rated fairly difficult to difficult (AD to D). It requires good endurance and some upper-body strength, but remains accessible to any reasonably fit person — whether accompanied by a mountain guide or practising independently.

• For experienced climbers : you’ll enjoy the variety of terrain — airy traverses, small overhangs and monkey bridges — offering climbing-like sensations without being extreme.
• For beginners: the route may look intimidating at first, but the progression is gradual and well secured. With a guide, the experience becomes approachable, safe and incredibly rewarding.

In comparison: it’s less demanding than the major via ferratas in the Dolomites, yet more exposed than a simple introductory course. The perfect balance for testing the activity and gaining confidence at height.

Did you know? The via ferrata is especially popular with preteens and teenagers. More playful than hiking and less technical than real rock climbing, it gives them a sense of adventure and freedom. Parents love sharing the experience as a family, each moving at their own pace while enjoying the stunning views.

Via ferrata is designed to make the mountains accessible to everyone — but it still requires some effort and awareness. The good news is that no prior climbing experience is necessary. The equipment (helmet, harness, and via ferrata lanyards with shock absorbers) and the continuous safety cable ensure protection throughout the route.

• For children: the minimum age depends on the route. On easier introductory courses, motivated kids can start around 8 to 10 years old, provided they are tall enough to reach the cables (about 1.20 m / 4 ft) and can follow safety instructions. For more challenging routes like Yves Pollet-Villard, it’s generally recommended to wait until 12 or 13 years old. Beyond age, parents should assess each child’s maturity, focus, and comfort with heights.
   
• For teenagers: they’re often the most enthusiastic! Via ferrata is especially appealing to preteens and teens, who prefer action and variety over traditional hiking. It’s a fun, hands-on activity, close to climbing, that lets them push their limits while having fun outdoors.
   
• For adult beginners: the route is perfectly accessible if you’re in good physical shape and not too sensitive to heights. For a first experience, joining a certified mountain guide is highly recommended — it makes the activity both safe and enjoyable.
   
• For experienced athletes: whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a climber, or simply an outdoor enthusiast, via ferrata offers the perfect mix of effort, technique, and panoramic views.

In short, the Yves Pollet-Villard via ferrata is open to everyone — as long as you meet the minimum age requirement, use the right equipment, and, for families, consider being accompanied by a professional guide who can ensure safety and pace the progression.

• Thanks to modern equipment — shock-absorbing lanyards, lightweight helmets, and well-fitted harnesses — safety levels are very high
   
• Via ferrata routes are designed so that participants feel secure throughout the climb: you’re permanently attached to a safety cable, which allows you to progress confidently along the rock face.
   
• Beyond the technical aspect, there’s a real sense of fun. Suspension bridges, ramps, footbridges, ladders and panoramic views make the experience playful and dynamic — especially for younger participants who are looking for more excitement than a simple hike.

To enjoy the via ferrata safely, specific equipment is essential. Each participant must be equipped with a properly fitted climbing helmet, a comfortable harness, and above all, a Y-shaped via ferrata lanyard with a shock absorber and two locking carabiners. Add to this a pair of sturdy hiking shoes for good grip and protective gloves, which are highly recommended to avoid hand injuries when holding onto cables and rungs. You should also wear mountain-appropriate clothing — warm layers, a waterproof jacket — and carry water and snacks to keep your energy up during the climb.

If you don’t have your own equipment, you can easily rent a complete via ferrata kit in La Clusaz. Several local shops offer this service, such as La Clusaz Aventure, which provides rental packs including helmet, harness, and lanyards with shock absorbers, suitable for children aged 8 and above. You can also rent equipment from Saint Jean Sport, located nearby, or Takamaka La Clusaz, specialists in outdoor mountain activities. These shops offer daily or multi-day rentals with modern, safety-checked gear, so you can focus on enjoying the experience with total peace of mind.

The Yves Pollet-Villard via ferrata is open every year from early May to mid-November (dates provided for information only). For the 2025 season, the route officially opened on May 13, following the mandatory safety inspection.

⚠️ Please note: access is strictly prohibited by municipal decree from November 15 to May 5. Outside this period, the route may also be closed if the annual safety inspection has not been validated, or if snow conditions make the descent unsafe.

Located in the Combe de Borderan, the via ferrata stretches over 700 metres of rock face, between 1,500 and 1,800 metres in altitude. Equipped with metal rungs, footbridges and handrails, it overlooks the Col des Aravis road and offers a truly spectacular, airy itinerary.

Practical tip: before setting out, contact the La Clusaz Tourist Office to confirm current access conditions and weather forecasts.

The Yves Pollet-Villard via ferrata in La Clusaz is more than just a sporting route — it’s a true immersion in the mountains, a moment of adventure and togetherness that appeals as much to families as to seasoned athletes.
Accessible with a guide, open from May to November, and particularly magical in autumn, it’s an unmissable experience during any stay in La Clusaz.