Switzerland

Beginners Via Ferrata

4

This is a trip focused on adventure, fun, and thrills. From our base in the Rhone valley, we will choose different Via-Ferrata to stretch and challenge the group and ensure there is plenty of time for cheese, swimming, wine, chocolate (or ice cream) and even mini-golf!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day

We will meet you at Martigny train station at 6 pm. Then transfer to the accommodation for a sumptuous Swiss dinner to meet and get to know the rest of the group and the guides. You'll also get an initial briefing and instruction on how to use equipment safely.

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Day 2: Sports Via Ferrata

Your guides will choose a Via Ferrata for the group. This is normally The Via Ferrata Nax or Via Ferrata Saillon. There are progressive with some athletic sections and even allows us to have an abseil descent (if you choose). It will normally last a couple of hours, but enough time to tire you out. Before returning to the accommodation for a swim, dinner, drinks and mini-golf (secret local Swiss wine available).

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Day 3: Via Ferrata II

With numerous Via Ferrata within driving distance, we have lots of options depending on the weather and the group, so your guides will choose another suitable objective to satisfy your thrills. However, our favourites are the Tour D'Ai in Leysin which involves a chairlift and short walk, or Via Ferrata Tiere in Champery with two waterfall crossings. The views on both are incredible (see below). You will return to the train station in time to get an evening flight home.

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What's Included

Included
  • UIAGM Guides Max Ratio 1:4.
  • Specialist technical equipment.
  • Accommodation: 2 nights in shared rooms. Single or twin room supplement available.
  • Food: 2 x dinners, 2 x breakfasts.
Not Included
  • Flights & train travel to Martigny.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory).
  • Lunches, drinks & snacks.
  • Visa (if required).
Have a question?

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Team Images
Team Images
Team Images

Rated 5.0

4 verified reviews

Stella
Stella

(Jun 2023)

Amazing trip and great guides who made everything to make me safe and comfortable. Must try experience and a great fun.

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Catherine
Catherine

(Aug 2022)

This was an excellent trip. The guides were great and tailored the routes for the group. They took the safety precautions seriously so all we had to do was enjoy ourselves.

Greg
Greg

(Aug 2022)

After a short flight from London and a 2 hrs train trip from GVA looking at the lakes and mountains along the way I arrived at Martigny train station which was the pick up point for the adventure. Tom, our guide greeted myself and 3 others with a big smile (half the group) and took us to our accommodation just a short drive away. Lovely hostel/campsite set up with fabulous food, pool, crazy golf and friendly staff. After dinner we were introduced to our Via Ferrata equipment and tried it on for size. We all retired for a early night.......for an early breakfast the next day and a short trip to the first VF. Steve, another guide was introduced to us and we all headed for the bakery for our lunch baguette. This was my first VF and absolutely loved it. I traveled on my own and enjoy meeting new people. Everybody was very friendly and for many of them it was their first VF too. Thank you Tom and Steve from Alps Adventures and Skyhook for making it possible. I hope to do more in the future and will get my own kit Greg Williams

Amanda
Amanda

(Aug 2022)

Well, where do I start? I was met by our guide Tom at the train station promptly as promised. He is very friendly while remaining professional. We (myself and the rest of the group) where transported to the accommodation - which was outstanding - settled in and shown to the pool. After a swim and time to get ready we all ate dinner together, again guys honestly, the food is exceptional. (3 course meal) We where given our Via Ferrata equipment and instructions on how to use it, before retiring the the night. The next morning, prompt and in great spirits we were transported, in 2 groups by Tom and Steve - another first-class guide - to a local bakery to collect lunch to take, then onto the first VF. This was my very first ever Via Ferrata, and my first experience of such a trip alone abroad. I got so much more than I expected out of the trip, I'm completely hooked and can't recommend this high enough. I have struggled to find the words to express how amazing the experience has been. Thank you Skyhook for putting me with Alps Adventures.ch would give a 10 star review if possible. Mandy Norton.

FAQs

Before you go

This is a beginner trip. The Via Ferratas take a couple of hours to complete and have short sections that require good levels of strength fitness. It is more important that you have an adventurous outlook and a head for heights. This is not a trip for people with vertigo, heart or weight issues, sorry! Your guides may extend your days with walks in the beautiful mountains. You will certainly feel that you have earnt your ice cream, coffee, cheese or chocolate! Do read the reviews before deciding to book.

It is in between climbing and walking. You will need to use your hands and feet to progress through cliffs but there will be a wire to secure to in case you slip and staples, footholds and ladders to walk on. Your guides will train you and look after your safety as much as they are able but you will be responsible for your own clipping in and out. You will need a head for heights and fitness. Here's a video to explain it more (after booking) All specialist equipment is provided. You are welcome to bring your own if you are more familiar with it.

The journey is part of the experience. From Geneva Airport there is a direct train (direction Brig/ Milan). You can buy tickets online, via the Swissrail app, from machines at the station, or from the ticket conductor. The journey takes 1 hour 30 minutes. You'll travel along the lake and then up to the base of the mountains. There are regular trains everyday, and prices start at £20 when booked in advance. You can book tickets on the Trainline website if you like . Enjoy the journey into the mountains.

We will stay in a Swiss Auberge or Dortoir. The sleeping is likely to be dormitory-style with a communal socialising area. There is also a bar! The restaurant serves excellent food. There is a pool and minigolf too (always competitive in the evenings). There is wifi and 4G, and there are showers and bathrooms but these are shared. If you wish to upgrade to your own room you may do so but it has a cost of around 100chf a night for a twin.

Start: Your guide will meet you at Martigny Train Station (on Swiss national rail), at 6 pm, on day 1 of your itinerary.  End: You'll be dropped back off at Aigle Train Station, at 3.30 pm on day 3 of your itinerary. Martigny is 1h 50 minutes from Geneva Airport, Aigle is an easy 1h 30 minutes train ride from Geneva Airport.

Documents • Passport • Boarding pass for flights • Money (CHF) • Credit/Debit Card Sleeping • Pyjamas • Ear Plugs Footwear • Mountaineering boots/shoes: 3-season lightweight • Shoe's for the evening Clothing Please make sure that you have non-cotton clothing for the day. • 1 x pair of synthetic under-top and bottom (long johns or similar) • 2 x t-shirts • 1 x comfortable shirt for the evening • 2 x hiking socks • 3 pairs of underwear • 1 x fleece • Light down or Primaloft jacket • Waterproof jacket and trousers • Hiking trousers: we recommend a pair that zip off into trousers. • Comfortable clothes for the evening • Sun Hat. • Swimming shorts/costume Other • Towel • Water bottle: • Sun protection: Sunglasses, suncream and sun hat • Personal medication • Toiletries • Electronics - headtorch, travel adapter, phone and charger • Hand sanitiser. Specialist Equipment Included Harness, Via Ferrata Lanyards, Helmet. Your Guides will carry other technical equipment.

On your trip

You'll experience traditional Swiss food along with some high energy foods to ensure you get the most out of your days in the mountains. Here is a breakdown of the meals that are included: Day 1: Dinner (to include some wine for those who want). Day 2: Breakfast, Hut Dinner. (You will be able to purchase lunch) Day 3: Breakfast (You will be able to purchase lunch) You'll drop by local Restaurants, Auberges and local shops - so there's plenty of opportunities to buy extra food or snacks.

We will sleep around 400m and may go up to 2000m depending on the Via Ferrata chosen by your guides.

Break up your journey by getting off the train in Montreaux, walk downhill 100m and you are on the lakeside. Enjoy a stroll, icecream and meet Freddy Mercury. Alternatively, get off the train at Geneva City (first stop) and look around this finance city. Highlights include the UN, Botanical Gardens and the fountain.

To reach the Via Ferratas you'll often need to hike some distance (1 or 2 kms) and then hike back to the shuttle. We will likely extend the walks to visit cafes or other points of interest and even find wild swimming spots. We will likely leave each day around 9:30 am and return around 4 pm to leave plenty of time for relaxing, swimming and dinner

Definitely! Your guides know all the best shots and angles for taking photos. They carry cameras and will share photos on social media. Due to the nature of the activity it is not normally a good idea to carry large camera equipment but phones/ compact cameras/ GoPros are a good idea.

Living and working in the mountains is something we are used to. We have years of experience here and can usually find something to do. It may make it a little more challenging and it is certainly why it is essential you bring waterproof clothing. However, we can dry out back at our accommodation and have great tales to tell.

Yes, your guides will teach you everything you need to know. After this trip you may be able to go Via Ferratering on your own but it is always wise to employ a guide for the judgement that comes with experience.

You shouldn't need much extra money on this trip, it depends how much extra you want to eat and drink. You will be able to buy drinks at the accommodation and lunch on the trail. We recommend binging 150-200Chfs in cash. This is available at the airport cash machines. If you haven't pre-booked your train, you'll need to bring money for that too. Most places will accept card payments.

The maximum ratio on a full trip is 4 customers to 1 guide.

We will be staying in the same accommodation each night and you can leave anything there during the day. On the last day you may need to leave things in the transport.

Other FAQs

Yes - It is not mandatory but often expected. In the Alps, there is no fixed amount and it really depends on what you would like to give to show your satisfaction. You can also support them by reviewing them on your Skyhook dashboard here.

Children from 13 to 18 years of age may be accompanied by an adult. The need to be adventurous with a head for heights and exposure.

No it is possible to do the journey all the way on the train. The pick up point is on the Paris - Milan train route.

We have very limited group dates for this trip for individuals to join. If you are a small group of 4 or 8 people we can organise specific dates for you, depending on availability, for this, or a similar programme. Message us on this trip page (at the bottom) to arrange. The guide-to-customer ratio is 1:4. We can do other group sizes at specific prices.

Your head guides are Louise and Tom

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run AlpsAdventures, based in Collombey Muraz.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Louise
Tom