CLIMBING - TO THE TOP AND BEYOND

Holidays in the mountains are obviously synonymous with climbing. The region is an ideal playground for all kinds of climbing activities. Whether it's in the trees with the accrobranche (tree climbing), in the rock on an equipped course (via ferrata) or for a climbing session in a natural environment (route or bouldering), Peisey-Vallandry offers its summer visitors plenty of possibilities. So answer the call of the peaks!
  • accrobranche-gli-air-carolineluc-1-86423 - © Caroline le Luc
ACCROBRANCHE: A SUSPENDED ADVENTURE
 
Immerse yourself in nature, fly from branch to branch, tackle the thorny bushes... accrobranche is a great way to recharge your batteries and immerse yourself in nature during a fun-filled, adrenalin-fuelled adventure!
 
An added bonus for Peisey-Vallandry: a "accrobranche" option right outside your window
 
In Peisey-Vallandry, the Gli'Air tree park offers a fantastic experience with courses suitable for children, teenagers and adults!
 
Situated in an idyllic setting at the gateway to the Vanoise National Park, overlooked by majestic peaks and the glaciers of Mont Pourri, Platières and Bellecôte, immersed in a 7,000m² canopy of larch and spruce trees, the Gli'Air park is a must.
 
It has been designed with everyone in mind, so you can come as a family, with friends or as a couple. There's something for everyone: gentle courses, 27 zip lines, one of which is almost 200 metres long, heights of up to 22 metres and an ultra-sporty course.
 
Varied content for all tastes and ages
 
You'll find 3 types of course with workshops and modules organised as follows:
 
Course for toddlers
20 workshops at a height of between 1 and 2 metres above the ground. They are aimed at the very young and are accessible to people from 1.10 metres in height.
 
Courses for children and families
On these more aerial courses, located between 1 and 6 metres above the ground, families can have fun with their children - minimum height 1.20 m.
 
37 workshops spread over 3 evolving courses, this section is equipped with zip lines that will give you the opportunity to split the air between two bursts of laughter.
 
Courses for teenagers and adults
Higher, more challenging courses are also available for adults and teenagers over 1.45m tall.
 
67 workshops on 5 progressive courses and a clever mix of modules: snowboarding, Tarzan's liana or this 200-metre zip line... thrills guaranteed.
 
For the more adventurous, there's also an ultra-sporty 'Noir +' course!

Equipment and safety
 
Climbing in a natural environment requires appropriate equipment for responsible climbing. All the necessary equipment and personal protective gear - harnesses, lanyards, pulleys, hooks, etc. - are available on site and comply with C.E. standards.
 
What's more, the courses are equipped with a lifeline - a safety device from start to finish. After that, you are completely on your own and responsible for your own safety. Qualified professionals are on site, but the activity is not supervised.
 
Practical aspects and other advice
 
What to wear
On your feet: trainers and hiking boots are recommended. Open shoes are not recommended.
Clothing: soft, comfortable and not flimsy clothing that you can wear without fear of getting dirty.
 
Practical advice
  • Tie your hair back if necessary.
  • Get rid of jewellery and personal effects.
  • Attach glasses and cameras to a lanyard.
  • You can leave your belongings in the snack area at reception.
Prices and methods of payment
  • Parcours des P'tits: €11.
  • Children/Families trail: €18.
  • Teens/Adults: €26.
  • Credit cards, cheques, holiday vouchers and cash are accepted.
Gli'Air tree park
Pont Baudin
73200 Peisey-Nancroix
Open May-June and September-October by reservation.
Open every day in July and August between 9.30am and 4.30pm (departures every quarter of an hour) - booking is recommended.
For more information: gliair@hotmail.fr | 06 26 07 52 62 | gliair.com
  • via-ferrata-les-betti-res-elliotgieu-15-86424 - © Elliot Gieu
THE VIA FERRATA: LES BETTIERES
 
The Bettières via ferrata route is a must for climbing enthusiasts and mountain lovers alike. What's more, it's free to use.
 
The ideal base for a quest for the vertical (accessible to all levels).
 
Climbing enthusiasts will find plenty to satisfy their thirst for heights and sensations on this via ferrata at Les Bettières, as well as being able to feast their eyes on the sumptuous scenery.
 
Located at the gateway to the Vanoise National Park, close to the Rosuel refuge, this is a magnificent route along a ridge line. Spur, exposed ridge, cliffs, slab, Nepalese bridge, zip line... a journey to the heart of verticality!

The whole route is divided into 3 sections by means of escape routes, making it accessible to everyone, whatever their level.
 
Description of the route

The via ferrata at Les Bettières is therefore divided into three different sections of increasing level, with the option of not doing the whole route using these exit routes.
 .
The first section is rated "Not Very Difficult" and is accessible to everyone, even children. The second part is rated "Quite Difficult" and the third and final part is rated "Difficult +" (with the option of not doing the whole route using the exit routes).
 
To be more precise
 
Portion 1 - Slightly Difficult (PD)
Beginners will have the opportunity to discover and learn about belay techniques. There is little gas, few rungs and lines throughout. Beware of falling rocks and earth. Escape possible after this section.
 
Section 2 - Quite Difficult (AD)
More challenging, this section begins with a vertical climb of around 50 metres. This is followed by a passage along an exposed ridge and then a second vertical which leads to the Nepalese bridge at the end of the section. This is the second escape route for those who wish to do so.
 
Section 3 - Difficult+ (D+)
This is an even more challenging section, opening onto a large, more athletic yellow slab. The route can then normally catch up with the "Les Lanches-Mont Pourri" path or use a cabled exit on the left to return to the bottom. In any case, it is important to follow the signposting, which may vary depending on various events (such as landslides).
 
Practicalities, equipment, hire, etc.
 
The via ferrata is a natural mountain activity, so you'll need to be properly equipped, as each climber is entirely responsible for his or her own safety. It is also possible to be accompanied - the Bureau des Guides, for example, offers its expertise for a fee (from €67 per person).

Mandatory equipment for this route (accompanied or autonomous): C.E. approved helmet, harness with karabiners, 2 lanyards with shock absorbers and 2 karabiners with automatic locking and large opening.
 
Hire equipment

If you don't have the necessary equipment, you can hire it from specialist shops in Peisey-Vallandry:
INTERSPORT PEISEY
Rue des Monts d'Argent
Peisey
73210 Peisey-Vallandry
04 79 04 12 28
 
INTERSPORT LES CORDETTES
Quartier du Soleil
Plan Peisey
73210 Peisey-Vallandry
04 79 04 11 74
 
NOZ SPORTS - SPORT 2000
Quartier du Soleil
Plan Peisey
73210 Peisey-Vallandry
04 79 07 92 60
 
BERARD SKI SHOP PLAN PEISEY
Les Cordettes Building
Plan Peisey
73210 Peisey-Vallandry
04 79 06 22 52
  • escalade-86422 - © Office de tourisme de Peisey Vallandry
CLIMBING: VERTICAL, BOULDERING AND CRAGS
In natural sites, on routes or boulders, more or less highly-rated routes await climbers in Peisey-Vallandry... plenty of ice axes and climbing shoes!  
The Céris boulders
If you'd like to discover climbing or improve your technique on modules in a natural environment, then the Céris boulders are for you!
Location
These boulders are located on either side of the path leading to Nancroix, near the "Les Amis" centre. To the right of the path as you climb up, they are located on private land belonging to a farmer (when the hay is not cut, you should refrain from climbing, out of respect).
To the left, there are also boulders on public land.
Practical information
  • Can be climbed between 1 June and 31 October - depending on condition and weather.
  • Altitude: 1370m.
  • Number of routes: around fifty, giving you the chance to practise your technique and ... have fun.
  • Boulder heights: 3 to 10 metres.
  • Difficulty: from 3c to 7c.
  • Rock: Gneiss.
  • Facing: South.
If you would like a guide, please contact the Bureau des Guides des Arcs / Peisey-Vallandry on 06 58 16 07 94 or email info@guidesdesarcs.com.
Natural rock climbing
There are also several options for climbing routes in a natural, grandiose and exceptional setting.
With the Bureau des Guides
The expert guides of the Bureau des Guides offer a range of services for climbing natural routes.
They know the area like the back of their hand and are keen to share and pass on their knowledge, so they also give climbing lessons in the wonderful mineral world that surrounds Peisey-Vallandry.
Services on offer
For example, you could opt for a half-day course, tailored to your needs, either for beginners or for advanced climbers.
This can be done at the Rochefleur cliff, located in the Arc 1600 forest, or at the Séloge cliff, which offers routes of one to three pitches in the beautiful Chapieux valley.
For a longer session and to go further and progress more quickly, there are also full-day courses.
The guides can also take you to the Notre Dame du Pré site to work on routes for all levels, from easy to very difficult.
They can also opt for the Séloge site to work on routes between 80 and 250 metres high. The difficulty is moderate, making the site accessible to climbers of all abilities. A little bonus: fantastic views of the surrounding glaciers.
Equipment
The minimum equipment required is: climbing shoes, harness and helmet. *You will be provided with your own if you have purchased your equipment from the Bureau des Guides, for example. Otherwise you can hire.
For hire