de Moiry Via ferrata - upper section | Via ferrata | Swiss Alpine Club SAC
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de Moiry Via ferrata - upper section Gite du Lac de Moiry 2310 m

  • Difficulty
    K5+
  • Ascent
    1:40 h, 160 m
  • Mountain Experience
    1 / 4
  • Power
    4 / 4
  • Endurance
    1 / 4
  • Psyche
    3 / 4

This is a piece of cake. The start and finish are located close to the bus stop in the village of Grimentz. This via ferrata does not border any pristine nature reserves; it was built in 2005 below an army bunker not far from the 148 metre tall Lac de Moiry dam, so in a very industrial setting. The 2.4 kilometres long lake, which fills the valley below the glaciated Pointes de Mourti, often presents itself in a vibrant green-blue hue. The via ferrata can also be characterised using colours, similar to ski-slopes (which is not entirely erroneous considering that Grimentz is a well known skiing destination): red for the lower sections, black for the higher ones, blackest black for the overhanging passages. The suspension bridge, made out of steel and wooden planks in the year 2009, is grey and brown... but anyway.

Route description

Approach
Via ferrata - upper section
After a first, partially vegetated wall you will reach a niche. The following steep section starts with an overhanging passage. A traverse will lead to an arete which you then climb up, potentially already in sunshine, though you may have started your climb in the shade. Descend over a slightly brittle ledge and ascend once more on a slab to the junction of the via ferratas: where an exposed suspension bridge leads either to a less difficult exit («échappatoire») or the more difficult continuation of the route. Make the most of this route by doing all sections in one go! Start by crossing over the 60-metre-long suspension bridge, shortly climb the cables up over a hump of rock to the exit of the "blue" route. Then turn and descend into the rock face which the suspension bridge spans in the distance. After a rocky passage (K2+) you descend further on earthy terrain and finally cross, diagonally beneath the overhangs of the via ferrata above, to another junction. Afterwards, bravely climb through the long crux section ahead – armpits are useful for hanging on while re-clipping your carabiners here. A few easier sections with slabs and cracks follow. Finally, you'll pass a bunker near the exit beside to a railing. Only a few steps further and you are standing in front of the Gîte du Lac de Moiry (2310 m).
Descent

Additional information

Character

K5+ for the upper section, K4+ for the lower section, K2+ for the exit following the lower section. Perfectly secured «à la française» sporty via ferrata over rocks that are shaded in the morning on the right side of the valley. Climb up opposite the imposing arch dam, until you suddenly find yourself above its height and are able to enjoy the view of the turquoise Lac de Moiry. Since 2009, a suspension bridge has added to the thrill. Open from June to mid/end of October.

Signalisation

Signposts

Author

Daniel Anker

Daniel Anker is a Bernese author and photographer. The historian has written around 40 ski tour, hiking, via ferrata and mountain bike guide books as well as detailed monographs on individual peaks in Switzerland.

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