Via Ferrata in Oz en Oisans
A via ferrata (Italian for "iron road". Plural vie ferrate. In German, klettersteig) is a mountain route which is equipped with fixed cables, stemples, ladders, and bridges.
The use of these allows otherwise isolated routes to be joined to create longer routes which are accessible to people with a wide range of climbing abilities. Walkers and climbers can follow vie ferrate without needing to use their own ropes and belays, and without the risks associated with unprotected scrambling and climbing.
The routes in France follow a grading structure that has six levels as follows:
- F - Facile : Easy, suitable for initiation into the sport.
- PD - Peu Difficile : Slightly difficult, suitable for beginners and possibly children.
- AD - Assez Difficile : Moderately difficult, suitable for accompanied beginners.
- D - Difficile : Difficult, for those accustomed to the sport.
- TD - Tres Difficile : Very difficult, physically demanding, for regular participants.
- ED - Extremement Difficile : Extremely difficult, very physically demanding, and suitable for experienced practitioners with a high level of fitness.
This grading system, while well established, does not give sufficient information to know how hard a route is. A different system, which remains under discussion, has via ferratas graded according to four categories : how athletic they are, whether there is a lot of exposure, how well equipped the route is, and where the route falls on a scale ranging from a walk through to climbing with steep ascents and overhangs.
The sport requires special equipment, but those who enjoy thrills in total safety, can go independently or accompanied by a pro.
The Via Ferrata sites are the following:
Les Gorges de Sarenne.
Location: Alpe d’Huez (1860-3330m). Approx. length: 1½ hours. Height gain: 250m. Max. altitude: 1885m
Pierre ronde.
Location: Alpe d’Huez (1860-3330m). Approx. length: 1½ hours. Height gain: 250m. Max. altitude: 1885m
Auris en Oisans Via Ferrata.
Location: Auris en Oisans (1600-3330m)
Les Mines du Grand Clot.
Location: La Grave - La Meije (1525 - 3550m). Approx. length: 6 hours. Height gain: 793m. Max. altitude: 2121m
Saint Christophe Via Ferrata.
Location: Saint Christophe en Oisans (1420-1740m). Approx. length: 3 ½ hours. Height gain: 344m. Max. altitude: 1544m
Les Perrons.
Location: Venosc (900-3600m). Approx. length: 2 hours. Height gain: 720m. Max. altitude: 1670m.
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