Gentianes: Androsace Via Ferrata | Via ferrata

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Via ferrata
- Gentianes via ferrata: Edelweiss
- Gentianes: Androsace Via Ferrata
Gentianes: Androsace Via Ferrata

Gentianes: Androsace Via Ferrata Pointe de Cion 3040 m

Difficulty

K5, T3
Ascent

1:15 h, 100 m
Mountain Experience

2 / 4
Power

3 / 4
Endurance

2 / 4
Psyche

3 / 4

The two "Via Ferrata des Gentianes" offer a very accessible high-alpine experience: the cable cars from Verbier to the Col des Gentianes take you to within a quarter of an hour of the ferrata. In good visability there are terrific panoramic views. However, the easy approach does not diminish the seriousness of the location: at 3000m altitude in a truly alpine environment. It is therefore advisable to approach this via ferrata only in good, safe weather conditions. The blue marked "Edelweiss" route is the easier of the two; and a good warm up. The red marked "Androsace" is the harder of the two and requires a bit more upper body strength. Both ferratas are relatively short and fit well into a day (or half day).

Middle/right: Start of the "Edelweiss" via ferrata, left: the descent. Androsace is further to the left. © Valais/Wallis Promotion

Edelweiss flowers by the Edelweiss via ferrata. © Fabian Lippuner

View towards the Mont Blanc massif. © Valais/Wallis Promotion

The airy and scenic Gentianes via ferrata © Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Gentianes via ferrata © Valais/Wallis Promotion

In der Via ferrata des Gentianes. © Valais/Wallis Promotion

View from the summit; an Ibex enjoying it too. © Fabian Lippuner

Route description

Approach and Descent

The descent leads to the saddle between the two peaks and then down an easier via ferrata between the "Androsace" and "Edelweiss" ferratas.

Via Ferrata "Androsace"

A three-cable bridge leads over a deep canyon to the start of the route proper. The following steep pillar has an intimidating overhang to surpass before it gets a little easier. A traverse to the right brings you to another bridge beneath a large roof. More overhanging and exposed climbing leads back left to the ridge. After a final difficult passage, easier climbing leads along the ridge to the summit, approx. 3035 m.

Additional information

Character: Easily accessible and relatively short but difficult via ferrata in high alpine surroundings. The airy and steep route requires good fitness and strength.

The via ferrata is equipped with the «Prisme aeroligne» safety system throughout. Compatible equipment can be rented from the restaurant des "Gentianes" for CHF 20 per set. It is also possible to use conventional via ferrata sets.

Time: Approach: 20 mins

Via Ferrata: 1 hr 15 mins

Descent: 40 mins

Signalisation: Marked with red.

Descent: From the Pointe de Cion descend the fixed ropes into the saddle between the peaks. From here there is an easy descent via ferrata (~ K2) that leads to the approach path and back to the mountain station.