Via ferrata Farinetta, Saillon
Overview
Location: Saillon, near Martigny, Switzerland
Difficulty Levels: Three sections with increasing difficulty (K3+, K4+, K6-)
Total Duration: ~4 hours (3 hours if stopping after the second section)
Elevation Gain: Approx. 350m
Starting Point: Bains de Saillon parking
Highlights: Suspended bridge, rope bridges, vertical walls, adventurous gallery
Via Ferrata Farinetta is an exhilarating via ferrata route in Saillon, not far from Martigny. It caters to different skill levels as it is divided into three sections of increasing difficulty. I have completed it twice—once stopping at the second section and the second time completing all three. That last experience made me realize that K5 and above routes are not for me!
Getting There
I parked at Bains de Saillon, which offers a large parking area, though it requires a 20-minute walk to the start of the route. There are no closer parking options. From there, you must cross Saillon towards Les Moulins in the direction of the visible suspended bridge.
Section 1: Introduction (K3+)
After the bridge, you ascend along the gorge with the river below. This first section, rated K3+, is relatively easy, with the main challenges being two rope bridges. This section gains about 150m in elevation and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. At the end, you can choose to exit via a trail descending through the vineyards.
Section 2: The Vertical Challenge (K4+)
The second section (K4+) significantly increases the difficulty. After a short walking break, the route begins crossing horizontally a long, completely vertical wall that requires grip strength. Here, those who suffer from vertigo will be tested immediately. And once again at least you'll know right away.
Following the initial wall, there is a brief respite in the form of a gallery-like passage, adding to the adventurous atmosphere. However, the route soon becomes demanding again, with another vertical climb requiring upper body strength. This time you go up vertically. This second section adds another 100m in elevation and takes another 1 hour and 15 minutes, bringing the total to about 3 hours so far.
At the end of the second section, there is a fork. Turning left leads to an easy exit through the forest and a short walk to the Farinetta suspended bridge—an ideal spot for a picnic. Turning right, however, leads into the final and most challenging section.
Section 3: The Nightmare (K6-)
I confess, I still have nightmares about this section. I have never been so close to calling for a rescue helicopter.
This last section, climbing another 100m, is the shortest but by far the most difficult, rated K6-, with three overhangs requiring exceptional arm strength—especially after three hours of climbing.
First Overhang: The first overhang wasn't too bad but it left me with trembling arms for the exertion. And at this point going back is no longer an option as the overhang downhill would be even more difficult.
Second Overhang: After a short easier section comes the second overhand that I remember longer. I actually stopped in the middle and set myself hanging from the shorter rope attached to my arness they call "vache". Not everyone uses it but I was very happy to have it in this occasion. With a good amount of mental effort I managed to continue and pass the second overhang.
Near Disaster: At this point I was really tired though and at the time I did not know how far was the end. My friend was not in sight anymore. For you to know, it is actually really close. Short after the second comes the third overhang and just above it you exit into the woods. So the end was just 5 or 6 m above me. Fortunately, above the second overhang there is a flattish bit. Not large but good enough to sit. And here something happened that gives me nightmares. While sitting and rearranging my tangles ropes, I was so tired that I unclipped both carabiners by mistake. It only lasted a few seconds I think. I noticed almost immediately and reclipped but it was enough to give me strong vertigo. Which is really not good when you still have one overhang to pass. I think I spent at least 10 or 15 minutes sitting there in that half square meter of rock. I really really thought about calling in an helicopter.
Third Overhang: After a while I rested enough to be able to start the last overhang. It is not actually the most difficult but at that point I was really tired so I stopped again midway. Just 2 or 3 metal rods from the end. I set there hanging at least another few minutes. Then finally I found the strenght to pull myself up and I saw it was actually the end. It was an immense relief.
Descent
Without crossing the bridge: A narrow vineyard path leads down on the right side of the gorge.
Crossing the bridge: A gravel road on the opposite side provides an easier descent on the other side of the gorge..
Given the challenge we had just faced, we opted for the easier way. The return path winds through vineyards before re-entering Saillon, leading back to the parking lot in about 50 minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you only complete the first two sections, this via ferrata is an enjoyable and manageable adventure. However, the third section is an extreme challenge that requires serious upper-body strength and mental resilience. It was a humbling experience, and I share this story in hopes of processing what happened. Would I do it again? Probably not. But it was an adventure I will never forget.
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