The impressive cliff faces of the Western Alps ridge surrounding Turin are an open-air amusement park for climbing lovers.
Balance, determination, mental and physical strength.
Admittedly, via ferratas are not for everyone, but like anything that’s a bit ‘outside of the box’, they truly are an opportunity to challenge yourself and feel an adrenalin rush that, in a strange interplay, merges with the calm of the great mountain to which you’re clinging.
Turin is the perfect starting point for those taking on the challenge of the vertical ascents of these splendid mountain faces. After crossing the first of the mountain’s wide valleys, you reach the peaks of the Cozie (Cottian) and Grazie (Graian) Alps.
Via ferratas in the Susa Valley
The Susa Valley separates Turin from the French border and offers well-equipped routes for a challenging and athletic adventure.
The three routes Sacra di San Michele, Orrido di Foresto and Chianocco, along with Rocca Bianca, are just a few of the via ferratas you’ll find that stick to the true essence of the French style. These routes require the use of stirrups, pegs and ascenders to allow climbers to tackle vertical rock and overcome challenging obstacles. Suspension bridges add an adventurous touch to the experience and unique thrills as you cross gorges and crevasses.
Val Chisone or ‘Val Ciuson’ and the Ciardelli via ferrata
The Val Chisone area has a reputation for the difficulty and physical dexterity required to tackle its crags and via ferratas.
One such via ferrata is Nicola Ciardelli in the Boucet Valley, in the village of Roure (one and a half hours from Turin), which is both difficult and exposed to the elements. Rated a Grade D and featuring 400 metres of climb, the experts recommend stirrups of different lengths with a carabiner and lanyard to help you in places that require extra stamina to climb.
The young Locana via ferrata is suitable for almost anyone
The Locana, also known as the San Lorenzo via ferrata, offers a thrilling climbing experience up a granite mountain face, starting from the entrance to the Piantonetto Valley, on one side of the famous Orco Valley, in the province of Turin.
This particular route is perfect for beginners as it’s shaped like a figure of 8, giving a way out for anyone who wishes to make the route shorter and ensuring a more relaxed and safe experience for all climbers.
The suspension bridge is a MUST to top off the experience. Loved even by littles ones, the views are certainly worth the effort and the climb.
Destinations
Climbing a via ferrata requires equipment and preparation
As with sports climbing, it’s always a good idea to tackle a via ferrata with at least two people, and go with someone who already knows how to use the equipment. Helmet, harness, gloves and via ferrata set are a must, as well as asking yourself the usual questions before setting out:
- Is your harness secure, with all the rings fastened?
- Is your helmet fastened?
- Are you wearing the carabiner set correctly?
- Do you have a first aid kit in your rucksack?
Above all, are you ready for a good adrenaline rush?
If you’re answer to this last question is already yes,
