Perrons de Vallorcine, Traverse (2674m)

Your guide will pick you up early in the morning and you will drive up to the Emosson dam on the border of France and Switzerland.

You will follow a small and rather steep path from the dam up to the Aiguille du Van – hiking turns to scrambling when you start getting closer to the start of the route.  (2h)

Climb the ridge to the main summit, the Grand Perron (2674m) and abseil down to the other side. Continue on the sharp crest of the ridge to the summit of the Pointe Vouilloz and descent to the other side (scramble and abseils). Next is the crux part (4b), climb to the summit of the Pointe d’Ifala, the final part of the ridge (about 4h -5h).

The descent is beautiful. A small path passing by alpine lakes and meadows, following cairns until you reach the main path coming from the Col de la Terasse leading back to the Emosson dam. Depending on time of year, you may enjoy the meadows in full bloom and flocks of alpine Ibex, locally known as Bouquetin (1h30).

You do not need to have extensive rock climbing experience or an advanced level for this climb. The passages are 4a maximum. However, you need to be comfortable climbing exposed ridges, have a good sense of balance and know how to belay and abseil. You need to be familiar with multi-pitch climbing rope work.

This is a long day out with good amount of hiking and climbing. You should have good physical fitness and stamina for an 8 hour climbing day.