Via ferrata Le Moléson - Le Pilier

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 facing grassy ridge through patches of wood and scrub onto steeper grass and scree leading to the base of Moléson's north face. At about 1620 m the two ferratas split; keep left for the Pilier route.

Duration

2 h 30 min

Distance

283 m

Ascent

220 m

Descent

-

Elevation

2,002 m

From the start, climb grassy rock steps to the foot of the vertical north wall, then follow a rising diagonal band left to the pillar where the route steepens. Ascend just right of the arete, then choose an easier line up a short overhang or a harder, very exposed traverse right across a roof before rejoining the normal route (K5 variant). Continue more easily to a grassy shoulder with small pines at about two-thirds height, where a route book can be signed, then tackle the upper pillar directly, traversing left partway up to a parallel rib followed, somewhat exposed, to the top.

Duration

25 min

Distance

97 m

Ascent

110 m

Descent

45 m

Elevation

-

From the top of the Pilier route, climb the stony grass slope to join the ridge, then follow it past point 1963 m and the summit cairn of Le Moléson (2002 m) to the mountain station. From there, either ride the cable car down or descend the easier west flank and traverse beneath the north wall back to Plan-Francey, about an hour on foot.