The Vias Ferratas
in Andorra
13 routes to discover
close to your holiday apartment or chalet in Andorra
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Last section of the Sant Vicenç d'Enclar route |
What is a Via Ferrata? A Via Ferrata (Via=route Ferrata = metal or iron) is route "built" on a rock face which has been equipped with specific elements (cables, steps, ladders etc) in order to help the climber in his progression and to maximise security. A Via Ferrata is a combination between trekking and rock climbing. The routes are accessible to all those that are capable of climbing a ladder and that are not frightened of heights. The Via Ferratas in Andorra are usually built in beautiful and spectacular surroundings. Not all climbs are equipped with just rungs. Some have what are called tibetan bridges (similar to a hanging bridge), monkey bridges (made of only one cable to walk on and 2 cables to hold on to), gangplanks etc. Some routes include slight overhangs. Do not compare a Via Ferrata with an adventure park! "Exits" are rare and it is very difficult to climb back down a Via Ferrata except by abseiling. The way down is normally done via a normal foot path although abseiling is possible on some routes. You need to be in fairly good physical condition in order to climb a Via Ferrata but no rock climbing experience is necessary. However, those that suffer from vertigo (in other words those that are scared of heights) should not attempt climbing a Via Ferrata. Arriving at the summit gives you an incredible sense of joy and proudness; a wonderful feeling of accomplishment that, up until now, only rock climbers enjoyed. You can also climb Via Ferratas at night, as long as you have a headlamp and extra batteries: an experience you won't forget, especially with a full moon. We do, however, recommend that you only do Vias you have climbed previously. If, during your stay in our holiday apartments or chalet, you would like to try something adventurous, we strongly recommend climbing a few of the 13 Via Ferratas that Andorra has to offer. Unlike in some countries, The Via Ferratas in Andorra are free. They are built and maintained to a very high standard by the Andorran government and the local communes. We will gladly give you more information and help you to choose your Via Ferratas upon arrival at your apartment or chalet. |
Time of year:
You can climb Via Ferratas all year round
except when there is snow at low altitude or when it is icy. If the cable
is caught under a foot of ice and snow, you will not be able to belay yourself
on it and you could find yourself in a tricky situation. It
is therefore wise to choose low altitude South facing climbs in winter and gloves
are vital as the metal rungs and cables are very cold.
As with all mountain activities, the
equipment you use on a Via Ferrata must be perfectly safe, adapted and in perfect
condition. It is NOT recommended to do Via Ferratas on your own.
What equipment is needed?
On the right, notice the lanyards attached to the cable (both of them!). When changing sections, one first changes one lanyard, then the other in order to be belayed at all times. Draping the lanyards over the arm during the ascent prevents them from getting caught on the rocks. Renting and buying the equipment |
 
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Progression on a Via Ferrata
Climbing a Via Ferrata is simple enough for someone capable of climbing a ladder. However, some security measures are necessary in order to avoid a fall or at least to reduce the danger of a fall. Always have BOTH lanyards attached to the cable and do not change cables with BOTH lanyards at the same time. Do not start a section (normally about 5 meters) if someone's already on it.
Generally speaking, the fixed cable serves only as a belay. One can, however, grab it and use it to pass a difficult section or where the rungs are too far apart.
We are, a certain sense, talking about climbing a ladder so it is not easy to classify the routes. An impressive or aerial section is not necessarily difficult. Nor is a long route. A slight overhang, on the other hand, requires strength making the section more difficult. None of the routes in Andorra are so difficult that you need actual rock climbing experience to reach the summit and they have not been built to "trap" people. The overhangs are not very pronounced. Although you do need some muscle power to pass them, you don't have to be called Schwarzenegger in order to get up.
I've never done this before. Can
I just go?
Yes you can! Choose an easy route
such as the "Canal de la Mora" to start with as it is little more than a difficult
trek and there are no aerial sections to cope with. The climb will nevertheless
give you an idea of how it all works.
The difficulty levels:
Easy: hardly any vertical sections,
no previous experience necessary.
Medium: some sections with a verticality
of 90%, no or little previous experience necessary.
Difficult: some sections with
slight overhangs and/or long sections with a 90% verticality and/or short sections
with scarce hand and foot holds, previous experience recommended.
Very Difficult: long sections
with a slight overhang and/or some sections with pronounced overhang and/or
numerous sections with scarce and hand and foot holds. Only for experienced
climbers.
More than one level of difficulty is shown when the difficulty of the entire route is not consistent, ie when lower section is medium, the middle section difficult and the top section easy (see Via Ferrata nº 2, "Sant Vicenç d'Enclar").
Position:
The position (or rank) determines the
difficulty in comparison to the other routes in Andorra. A ranking
of "1/8" means that the route is the easiest of the 11 routes, a ranking
of "9/8" means that it is the hardest of all of Andorra's routes.
The orientation of the climb is important.
For example, a South-West facing climb should be done early in the morning
during the summer months as you'll get too warm if you do it later during
the day whereas
a Northeast climb means it won't get the afternoon sun.
| 1-
Tossal Gran d'Aixovall Location: Sant Julià de Lòria Difficulty: Medium Position: not tried. Estimated 2/8 Approach: 5' Climbing time: 30' Descent (path): 10' Height of climb: 70 m. Altitude at summit: 990m. Orientation: East Note: we have not yet tried this Via Ferrata, the difficulty level has been copied from other sources. The route divides into 2 half-way up, the left being the easier one. |
2-
Sant Vicenç d'Enclar Location: Santa Coloma Difficulty: Medium, Difficult, Medium Position: 5/8 Approach: It is not easy to find the path that leads to the Via Ferrata and the St. Vicenç church. When in Santa Coloma, it is best to ask some local. Park and start up the path. After approx. 200m take the small path on your left which flanks the rock face. Approach 15'. Climbing time: 1h Descent (path): 25' Height of climb: 170m. Altitude at summit: 1.190m. Orientation: South-East Extras: overhang in the upper section Note: The climb is very pretty. The lower section is easy, the upper section includes an overhang. Idea for the rest of the family: they can walk up the path to the St. Vicenç church which is an ideal place for a picnic, with beautiful views over Andorra's capital, Andorra-la Vella. Shame about the constant noise from the traffic below and the view of the industrial area during the climb. |
3-
Roc d'Esquers Location: Escaldes-Engordany/Madriu valley Difficulty: Easy, Medium Position: 4/8 Approach: From Escaldes, follow for "Engolasters". Cross the bridge over the Madriu river and park the car. Cross the bridge again and continue up the Engolasters road for 100m. Take the fist trail on your right. Time: 10 min. Climbing time: 1 h 40' Descent (path): 1 h. Height of climb: 250 m. Altitude at summit: 1.780m. Orientation: South West Extras: a short monkey bridge near the summit Note: A wonderful climb which starts at the entrance of the Madriu valley, one of the prettiest in Andorra. The beginning is not too vertical and there's a shady "rest stop" 3/4 of the way up. Good mushrooming spot at the summit. Take your camera on this climb, there's an ideal place to take a picture of the person following you, just after the monkey bridge. The walk down is pretty but quite long. |
| 4- Clots
de l'Aspra Location: Encamp Difficulty: Easy, Medium Position: 3/8 Approach: From Encamp, Follow for "Cortals d'Encamp". Park by the artificial climbing wall near the middle station of the gondola. Walk down to the river, cross it and walk back up to the mountain hut which can be seen from the road. Take the trail which starts behind the stables. Approach: 15'. Climbing time: 30' Descent (path): 30' Height of climb: 70 m. Altitude at summit:2.200m. Orientation: North-East Extras: short tibetan bridge near the summit. Note: this is a very short route which unfortunately is not very interesting, even if there are a few points to abseiling from at the summit. The rungs are placed close to each other but half way up, things become a little more complicated which may unsettle the beginner. Not to be done when it's wet as the there are muddy sections. Two routes to choose from near the summit, the right one which is more vertical and the left one which has a tibetan bridge. |
5- Canal
de la Mora Location: Canillo Difficulty: Easy Position: 1/8 Approach: When in Canillo, take the road to "Coll d'Ordino". There's a parking lot 150m after the first hairpin. The route starts directly from the road opposite the parking lot. Climbing time: 1 h 15' (first section 40') Descent (path): 30' (from between the mirador and the road (15' from first section) Height of climb: 320 m. (first section 150m) Altitude at summit: 1.920m. (first section 1'750m) Orientation: South-East Extras: free shower half way up! Note: this is an easy yet interesting route. Although there are only a few short vertical sections, the climb is nevertheless fun as it takes place in a wet crevasse. Make sure your boots are waterproof, there's a mountain stream you'll have to cope with. The "Canal de la Mora" is a good "warm up" and very suitable for beginners. There's a grassy picnic area at the end of the first section. The second part of the climb is just a path that leads to the summit along the ridge, worth it for the view unless you plan on doing the "Roc del Quer" or "Racons" route which end up at the summit anyway. |
6- Roc del
Quer Location: Canillo Difficulty: Easy, Difficult, Medium Position: 6/8 Approach: when in Canillo, take the road to "Coll d'Ordino". There's a parking lot 150m after the first hairpin. Climbing time: 1 h 30' Descent (path): 30' Height of climb: 330m. Altitude at summit: 1.920m. Orientation: South-East Extras: 2 aerial traverses and a short section with an overhang Note: Although impressive when seen from below, this route is not difficult apart from the small middle section is quite spectacular with its 2 traverses. Not to be done when it's wet as there are quite a few muddy sections (hard to believe when looking up from below). A pretty mirador at the summit makes a perfect picnic spot for climbers and for those that drive up to meet you. Shame about the constant noise from the traffic below during the entire ascent. |
| 7- Racons Location: Canillo Difficulty: Medium, Difficult Position: 7/8 Approach: Don't miss the beginning of this route. It starts between Canillo and the Racons restaurant on the Canillo-Encamp road, just below Canillo, on the RIGHT of the Via Ferrata sign. Don't walk up the steps which start from the road as they lead to the "Canal de la Grau". The starting point is just up from the restaurant. Climbing time: 1 h 15' Descent (path): 30' (from between the Mirador and the road) Height of climb: 200 m. Altitude at summit: 1.730m. Orientation: South-West Extras: aerial section and small overhang in the middle section Note: a wonderful and varied climb, especially if combined with the "Canal de la Grau" which can be reached by cable if you have a pulley. Short people will have problems reaching some of the rungs. The middle section is quite aerial, not recommended for beginners. |
8- Canal
del Grau Location: Canillo Difficulty: Difficult Position: 8/8 Approach: Coming from "Racons": (5 min.) The start of the route is not easy to find. The path starts on your right. If you reach a monkey bridge, you'll have to turn around and backtrack 50 metres until you see a small trail on your left. Look for an arrow painted on a rock. From the road below: It starts between Canillo and the Racons restaurant on the Canillo-Encamp road, just below Canillo. Best place to park your car: in front of the Racons restaurant. Start up the steps that are carved out of the rock and pass the avalanche barriers. Pass below the monkey bridge and continue for 50m until you see a path on your left. Time: 30' from below, 15' from the summit, 5 min. from "Racons". Climbing time: 1 h. Descent (path): 30' (from between the Mirador and the road) Height of climb: 90 m. Altitude at summit: 1.760m. Orientation: South-East Extras: 2 monkey bridges, chains, a crest etc. etc Note: superb, especially as a continuation of "Racons". Not as aerial but some moves are original and fun. Some require quite a bit of arm muscle. Not recommended for beginners. Once on top, walk up to the "Roc de Quer" mirador for a picnic and to meet those that drove up to meet you or walk down the path to the road. |
9- Bony
d'Envalira Location: Encamp Difficulty: Medium Position: not tried Approach: 1 h. Climbing time: 1 h 30' Descent (path): 1 h. Height of climb: 250 m. Altitude at summit: 2.664m. Orientation: North-East Note: we have not yet tried this Via Ferrata the difficulty level has been copied from other sources. |
| 10- Collada
dels Isards de l'esquerra
Location: Pas
de la Casa |
11- Collada
dels Isards de la dreta
Location: Pas
de la Casa |
12- Creu de Noral
New 2008
Location: Ordino |
| 13 - Segudet
New 2008
Location: Ordino |
Pictures of the Via Ferratas in Andorra
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Wonderful aerial section on the "Roc del Quer" in Canillo during the second traverse. The cameraman (my friend John from England) is directly below the climber and Canillo directly below the cameraman. |
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The last section on the "Sant Vicenç d'Enclar" in Santa Coloma, taken during a climb with my good friend James from England in November 2003. |
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The hanging bridge on the "Canal de la Grau" route. You see the security cable above the bridge onto which you clip yourself onto. Although perfectly safe, the cables, as you can see, are not very taught, especially when it's warm, making the bridge a bit wobbly. |
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Not all of the Via Ferratas are on rock faces. Here's a picture from the "Canal de la Mora" in Canillo. The entire route climbs up the bottom of a spectacular crevasse. This climb is easy but nevertheless very enjoyable. The climber in the middle of the picture is hard to see and gives you an idea about the size of the crevasse. |
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Middle section on the Sant Vicenç d'Enclar route. Vertical indeed but the rungs are close together as you can see. |
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Another bridge on the "Canal de la Grau" route in Canillo, consisting of only 5 cables: the top one to clip on to, the 2 middle ones to hold on to and the two bottom ones to walk along. Peter Oscarsson from Sweden, posing in this picture, came up with a good name for these contraptions. He calls them "Charlie Chaplin" bridges! |
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Picture taken at the middle section of the "Canal de la Grau" route. The climb follows the ridge almost to the top. You can see a climber at the bottom of the ridge, another about to leave the ridge and two climbers traversing towards the bridge. The tricky bit is getting from the ridge to the bridge and requires sturdy arms as there is only a chain to hold on to and few foot holds. |
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My good friend Sanjay from Nepal posing like Mr. Hillary on Everest at the impressive monkey bridge near the top of the Roc d'Esquers, which consists of 2 cables to hold on to for balance, one cable for the belay and a chain to walk on. In the background, the town of Escaldes and Andorra-la-Vella. |
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Picture taken from the Roc de Quer, where the routes "Roc de Quer", the "Canal de la Mora" and the "Canal de la Grau" end up. A wonderful place to sit down and rest after a wonderful climb. Take a tip from the film "The Eiger Sanction": when your mate is not looking, slip a few cans of beer into his backpack before the climb. When you reach the top, say 'Wouldn't it be nice to have a beer...'. When your mate says 'who would be stupid enough to carry beers up with them', just smile at him. |
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The "Clots d'Aspra" route. As you can see, you do not have to be a cliff hanger in order to enjoy a Via Ferrata, even if the boy in the picture does not seem so certain. This picture was reproduced with permission from "Natura i Aventura" a kind guide agency that will happily take you up the routes with the necessary equipment. Visit http://www.naturaiaventura.ad for details. |
Via Ferratas are sometimes hard to find. We shall be posting pics such as the one below in order to help you find them!
The Via Ferratas in Canillo.
Bottom right, the village of Canillo. The road climbing up the mountain
leads to
the Col d'Ordino
Here's a video of Via Ferrata n º 4: Clots d'Aspra
Follow the links below if you would like to find out more about Vias Ferratas in general (you will leave this site):
- http://www.pyrenees-pireneus.com/Via_ferrata_andorre.htm
- http://ferratas.barrancos.org/index.htm
- http://www.geocities.com/perebellido/aventura/via.htm
- http://www.encamp.ad
| If you would like to climb a Via
Ferrata or two but would prefer to do so with a professional guide, visit: http://www.naturaiaventura.ad If you prefer a direct contact, you can send them an E-mail here |
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