The via ferrata des Bettieres is in a beautiful setting on the edge of the Vanoise National Park. Above is the summit of the Mont Pourri, the second highest peak in the Vanoise, with glaciers tumbling from its summit. The valley of Rosuel is a cul-de-sac with a large car park close to the refuge and National Park visitor centre.
The via ferrata is well-indicated and you can reach the base in about 10 minutes from the parking. The walk takes you across the river with the amount of water being very variable according to the season or recent weather. Soon you take a path past high larch trees before heading right through the open woods to the base of the route.
The via ferrata des Bettieres is made up of three sections, each successively more demanding. After the first two sections it’s easy to make your way back down without problems. The first section starts steadily wandering its way up slabby ground. The route steepens and you finish the section on the crest of the spur. The way off is to the right.
The next section starts steadily and then you reach a steep wall with a small overlap to get started. The climbing is steep with great views over the valley. At the top of this tower a short level section brings you to a short wire “Monkey” bridge. Here you down-climb, finishing steeply, to reach a large ledge and path. After a short distance the “escape” route leads off to the left.
For those wanting to complete the whole of the via ferrata des Bettieres continue on up the path until you reach a “bay” below a steep and impending wall. The first few feet are easy but the angle increases and becomes slightly overhanging. At the steepest point the route moves right and the arms soon get a rest as you reach easier ground. The route continues up on steep slabs in a wonderful position to reach a grassy knoll.
The way off is to the left, protected by a cable and finally down a wooden ladder. Here you reach a path that zig-zags down the couloir to finally reach the approach path.
An excellent route for all in a great setting.
