Having done and gotten a taste for Via Feratta at Honister in the Lake District I looked long and hard at the internet for a convenient Via Ferrata experience.?
Having looked at the home of the VF, Italy, I extended my search to Austria, Switzerland, Spain and France.?
Am I glad I found Simply Savoie.? I chose the 3 day experience.? Absolutely no hassle, picked up by Mark from Geneva Airport and dropped off at the Hotel in Albertville, France.? Having never been in this area of France before and having no language skills it was very pleasant to hear about the areas we drove through and the local knowledge and scenery Mark described was, probably, priceless.?
Day 1 and Mark seemed to have assessed my ability and I was introduced to the 1st day in Peisey-Nancroix on the Les Bettieres Via Ferratta.? Mark ensured I was confident with the essential safety exuipment, tips on progressing in a straightforward manner were only adding to my confidence.? I also feel that Mark has to feel confident in the customer?s ability as well and this also came across in an understated way.?
The exhilaration of that 1st day was only bettered on the 2nd Day at Aussois were we did 3 VF?s in the beautiful gorge of the river Arc with imposing Napoleonic Forts on either side of a very steep and narrow gorge.? The 2nd VF Les Rois Mages of that day was one which Mark had not actually completed before and again, he ensured that I felt confident in tackling the most difficult section and more importantly for me was that he felt confident that i was able to complete this part.? It was truly exposed, adrenalin pumping and exhilarating.? This was followed by another fantastic VF La Montee au Purgatoire which ascended up a spectacular waterfall.? Truly the descent in the Devil?s lair followed by the ascendency to Purgatory…………..(have I got that right?).?
My 3rd and final day was in Thones on the VF Roc Agathe overlooking the town, this was another fantastic challenge before being taken back to Geneva airport for my flight home.?
Highly recommended as I felt that having done 5 VF?s in 3 days, with Mark providing a packed lunch each day, organising the accommodation in a setting which gave access to the sometimes distant VF?s.? The fact that Mark provided the transport meant you could enjoy the fantastic scenery added to his knowledge of the areas visited.?
The other big plus is that Mark is also a good photographer and I look forward to getting some extremely scary looking photos that he took along with video clips across gaping chasms.?
With VF?s to suit all abilities with a knowledgeable, experienced instructor, I felt safe and secure throughout, VF is not be taken lightly and can be strenuous but this has been the best holiday/short break I have ever done anywhere.
