Thrills and adventure at the Les Bourtes via Ferrata

Via ferrata is an outdoor sport practised on rock faces of varying degrees of steepness, popular with climbing and hiking enthusiasts. Metal elements are used to make the rock passable and, depending on the location, other elements such as monkey bridges or zip lines are added.

Often climbed independently, the ascent is secured by a lifeline linking the climber to the rock face. Graded into six levels, the courses are more or less suitable for beginners, depending on the elements and the quality of the route. Follow the instructions at the start of the route and set off to discover the sumptuous scenery on each wall.

The practice is self-belaying, meaning that you manage your own safety. So you need to be equipped to take no risks. If you want to try via ferrata, make sure you have a harness, a special lanyard and a helmet. As most of the routes are mountainous, gloves, suitable footwear, small climbing gear and a rucksack are highly recommended.

In the heart of La Plagne, a via ferrata was built in 2015 for climbing and hiking enthusiasts. On the Crête des Bourtes, an impressive monkey bridge crosses two rock faces overlooking the Lac des Blanchets. For the curious onlooker, this ridge can be seen from the middle of the La Roche de Mio chairlift, on the right-hand side.

The lowest point is at an altitude of 2,350 metres and the highest at 2,560 metres, providing breathtaking scenery for adventurers taking up the challenge! The 600-metre route is equipped with cables, ladders, ramps, a monkey bridge and zip lines. The entire route is equipped with a continuous Aeroligne lifeline, so there's no need to undo karabiners from one piece of equipment to the next.

From Belle Plagne, it's a 45-minute walk to the starting point of the Les Bourtes via ferrata. Once the instructions have been read and the equipment secured, experienced adults and children accompanied by an experienced adult can set off on the climb.

Fairly difficult to difficult, the climb begins with a fairly steep slope that leads to a Nepalese bridge, from where the beauty of the distant landscape makes you forget all the effort you have put in. The route continues between the rocks of the ridge, before offering the lucky participants a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc, which is far from being available to everyone!

Thrill-seekers will opt for the 300-metre zip-line descent, while the more down-to-earth ferratists will reach the ground on foot. After this vertiginous and sensational climb, it's a short hour's walk back to Belle-Plagne.