Beginners Via Ferrata

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! Note that your guides may extend your days with walks in the beautiful mountains. You'll certainly feel that you have earned your ice cream, coffee, cheese, or chocolate! Do read the reviews before deciding to book.

Via Ferrata is in between climbing and walking. You'll need to use your hands and feet to progress through cliffs. But there will be a wire to secure you in case you slip, as well as staples, footholds, and ladders to walk on. Your guides will train you and look after your safety as much as they can, but you'll 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 in more detail (viewable after booking). All specialist equipment is provided. You are welcome to bring your own if you are more familiar with it.

The journey to the meeting point is part of the experience! From Geneva Airport there is a direct train to Martigny (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 1hr 30mins. You'll travel along the lake and then up to the base of the mountains. There are regular trains every day, and prices start at £20 when booked in advance.

We stay in a Swiss Auberge or Dortoir. The sleeping is likely to be dormitory-style with a communal area to socialise. There's a bar and restaurant that serves excellent food. Also a pool and minigolf (it can get competitive in the evenings). WiFi and 4G are available. 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 6:00 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 1hr 50mins from Geneva Airport. Aigle is an easy 1hr 30mins 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 • 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.

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'll be able to purchase lunch. Day 3: Breakfast. You'll be able to purchase lunch. During the trip, we drop by local restaurants, Auberges, and shops. So there are plenty of opportunities to buy extra food or snacks.

We will sleep around 400m and may go up to 2,000m 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, ice cream, and meet Freddy Mercury. Alternatively, get off the train at Geneva City (first stop) and look around. Highlights include the UN, the 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 4:00 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. 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 can 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.

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's 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 usually organise specific dates for you. This will depend on availability, and we may have to adapt the programme slightly. Contact us at the bottom of this trip page to arrange. Note that the guide-to-customer ratio is 1:4. We can do other group sizes at specific prices.