Via ferrata Le Moléson - La Face

Duration

30 min

Distance

686 m

Ascent

160 m

Descent

25 m

Elevation

-

From Plan-Francey (1517 m) descend to a saddle near 1495 m, then climb diagonally right of the grassy ridge opposite, through patches of wood and scrub onto steeper grass and scree leading to the base of Moléson's north face. The shared start for both ferratas lies around 1620 m, with the Face route beginning to the right.

Duration

2 h 30 min

Distance

179 m

Ascent

220 m

Descent

-

Elevation

2,002 m

From the sign, ascend grassy rock steps to reach the vertical start of the north wall. A long, slightly descending traverse leads right to the first vertical and briefly overhanging section, the last point where retreat is easy. Success here means the rest of the route is manageable. The middle section skirts a distinctive perched meadow ledge before a second vertical wall and traverse, where the route book is kept. Two finishes follow: the right-hand 'Le surplomb' variant climbs directly over an overhang (harder, black/TD/K5+), while the left 'L'esquive' line is slightly easier (red/D/K4+) and itself splits into an easier link back to the top of 'Le surplomb' (15 m) or a steeper final overhanging pitch (25 m).

Duration

25 min

Distance

97 m

Ascent

110 m

Descent

45 m

Elevation

-

From the top of the Face route, climb the stony grass flank up to the top of the Pilier route, then follow the grassy ridge past point 1963 m and the Moléson summit (2002 m) to the mountain station. From there, either ride the cable car down or descend the easier west flank, traversing beneath the north face back to Plan-Francey (about 1 hour).