Fixed rope routes

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Fixed rope routes

Aletsch via ferrata

The Aletsch Via Ferrata circles the Gibidum lake at the upper Massa Gorge. The 3km long trail consists of some ambitious parts

  • Difficulty

    medium, C

    Difficulty : medium
    C Steep to very steep rocky terrain with many/long exposed passages. Safety elements include cables, iron rungs, pegs and longer or overhanging ladders. A sure foot and a good head for heights required, as well as good physical condition and sufficient strength in arms and legs. Via ferrata equipment necessary, along with safety ropes for people with little experience

  • Length

    3.5 km

  • Duration

    4:00 h

  • Show on map
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Dizzying climbing passages close to the water surface and a 80m long and 40m high Nepal-bridge. Especially thrilling: when the barrier lake is full, you climb only a few meters above the freezing glacier water!

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Turn-by-turn directions

The via ferrata starts immediately from the car park above the concrete wall. Well-secured, you climb through a channel down to the water, before heading into the valley using natural and many artificial steps, your left side attached to the wire rope, walking "au bord du lac". When the lake is full, you come very close to the (milky-green) water at several points, each time before making short climbs. The opposite bank gradually comes closer, and then you catch sight of the absolute highlight on this route, the longest via ferrata suspension bridge in the Alps. The steep rocks of the Stockflüe call for a vigorous effort, and this is followed by a few very open traverses which also force the climber slightly out from the rock face.

Start: Parking near the artificial lake of the Gibidum dam, near Blatten bei Naters. (1482 m)
Destination: Gibidum dam (east side) (1483 m)

Technical information

  • Altitude

    1483 m 1428 m

  • Ascent

    100 m

  • Descent

    66 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 2 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 3 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Round trip
  • Completely cable-secured

Public transport

Frequent bus connections from Brig to Blatten. The via ferrata is located approximately 1km walk from the center of Blatten.

Approach

Highway A9 direction Brig and exit at Furka on the cantonal road 19 direction Furka / Grimsel / Nufenen / Brig-Glis. In Brig, continue to Naters and then up to Blatten bei Naters. In Blatten, leave the village to the north  and follow signs to the Gibidum dam (Stausee Gibidum).

Parking

Parking near the artificial lake of the Gibidum dam, near Blatten bei Naters.

Equipment

All climbers must wear a harness. Because of the risk of falling rocks along the route, a helmet is also essential. Ensure you have sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing, and bring a small rucksack with water and a snack. A suitable pair of gloves will protect your fingers and knuckles from grazes.

Safety information

Weather conditions: before setting off to tackle a via ferrata, it is important to check the weather forecast. Bad conditions can make climbing dangerous – particularly in stormy weather.

Rockfalls: because of the risk of falling rocks – usually caused by climbers higher up or by animals – all climbers are strongly advised to wear a helmet.

Safety: always leave sufficient distance between yourself and the climber ahead. There should never be more than one person between two anchor points.

Additional information

Rental:

  • Alpincenter Belalp

Find more information about the destination here:

Maps

SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1269 Aletschgletscher