Via Ferrata de la Tière: A Thrilling Climb by the Waterfall

Overview

• Starting point: Champéry gondola parking (1,050m)
• Summit: Exit in the forest above the via ferrata (~1,350m)
• Altitude gain: ~400m
• Duration: ~3 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Medium
• Technical difficulty: Mid-High K3 (with a short K4 section)

The via ferrata de la Tière is a challenging but accessible route for anyone who isn’t too afraid of heights. What makes it truly special is that it runs alongside a roaring waterfall, offering an exhilarating mix of climbing and breathtaking scenery.

Getting to the Start

We began at the Champéry gondola parking and walked back toward the valley. After a few minutes, we turned downhill at Chemin des Grands Champs, where the road goes downhill and transitions from asphalt to gravel. A couple of hundred meters later, we reached the information panels marking the start of the trail.

From there, the approach trail climbs steadily through the forest for about 30-40 minutes before reaching the base of the via ferrata. Already at this point, we could see and hear the waterfall, setting the stage for an exciting climb.

The Climb

The starting section is straightforward, following a narrow ledge along the rock face. Then, the real fun begins—the bridges.

Two suspension bridges cross the torrent right in front of the waterfall, making for an incredible and noisy experience. The mist from the falls makes the metal cables and rock slightly slippery, so we took extra care while crossing.

After the second bridge, the route continues along the rock wall before reaching the most difficult section. Here, a completely smooth vertical wall needs to be crossed using metal rungs. The route first traverses horizontally, then turns vertically, before making a U-turn back across the rock face again.

This section is very exposed and quite vertiginous, though the presence of trees makes it feel less extreme than Tour d'Aï. The most challenging part is a small overhang, where you have to switch carabiners mid-air. This move is short but demanding, and I’d personally rate it closer to K4.

Once past this crux, the hardest part is behind you. The final 10-15 minutes of climbing are much easier, leading to the exit point in the forest, where we took a well-deserved break at a bench with a beautiful view.

The Descent via Galerie Défago

The way back is just as rewarding as the climb.

After 10 minutes through the woods, we reached a paved road, which we followed for about 1km before signs pointed us back into the forest toward Galerie Défago.

This 600m-long path follows a natural ledge along a cliff face, with sections where workers had to carve into the rock to complete the route. While the path feels dramatic, it’s secured with a fence and presents no real difficulty—just incredible panoramic views of Champéry and Val d’Illiez.

After exiting the Galerie, a final 20-minute descent through the forest brought us back to the asphalt road. From there, it was another 10 minutes to the parking, completing a fantastic adventure.

Final Thoughts

The via ferrata de la Tière is a thrilling and scenic climb, perfect for those looking for an exciting but manageable challenge. The combination of climbing, waterfalls, and stunning descent via Galerie Défago makes it one of the most unique via ferratas in the region.

If you’re in the Champéry area and up for a bit of exposure, some fun bridges, and a touch of adrenaline, this via ferrata is absolutely worth it!