Grenoble Via Ferrata

There's this type of climbing sport in the region called the Via Ferrata.  A via ferrata is specifically a climbing route through mountainous, rocky areas made with a cable that you attach yourself to and metal hand- and footholds strategically placed along the route.  I'd say its a level above belay climbing, but a level below free climbing.  There are always handholds, but you attach yourself to the appropriate places.

This is the start!

In Grenoble, there is a via ferrata that climbs up to the Bastille.  I decided I wanted to try it.  Last Thursday was quite warm, so two friends and I decided to go for it.  One friend was experienced and even owned his own equipment, while the other was a beginner just like me.  We rented our equipment late on Thursday and headed towards the Bastille to check things out.

Scooting along the cable. Photo courtesy of P. Briggs

So there are three main pieces of equipment for the via ferrata.  First is a harness, just like with regular rock climbing.  The next is a unique two rope system with clips on the ends.  The ropes are quite short, about the length of my arm.  Basically you are attached to a cable on the rock face by these ropes.  There are two so that you always have at least one attached, even when changing and working around the cables.  The third piece of equipment is a helmet.  I have to be safe after all!

On the rock in the background. Photo courtesy of P. Briggs

So, the via ferrata ended up being pretty scary.  We climbed to great heights and were responsible for our own safety.  It's a free, open course for anyone to do, and with no one watching to make sure you're doing it right.  I think the scariest parts were going around curves/ corners where you had to straddle the rock.  Another scary part was scooting across a cable hanging high off the ground and finally a wood bridge.  The bridge itself wasn't scary, but my legs were a bit short and I had to do a major stretch over a void just to get onto it.

 So yeah, I got a bit scared, BUT I think I'd try it again! I think that now I know what to expect, it would be easier.  I guess there's quite a few different via ferrata courses in the area.  Maybe I'll have to try another!  Anyways, here's some pretty flowers from our walk aback down the hill; spring has sprung!