Loisirs 74
← In Passy
Free · Open access

Via Ferrata de Curalla

Via Ferrata de Curalla, fun yet sporty 500 m cable route in the Fiz massif, facing Mont-Blanc. Nepalese bridge, beam, aerial walkway.

View on mapOfficial site
Via Ferrata de Curalla, AD+ route with Mont-Blanc views in the Fiz massif at Passy, Haute-Savoie
At a glance
Type
Via ferrata
Access
Free access (gear required)
Price
Free
Duration
1 h 30 (route) + 20 min approach + 40 min return
Best season
April to late October
Town
Passy

Official source →

What is Via Ferrata de Curalla

The Via Ferrata de Curalla, located on the slopes above Passy at about 1,420 m altitude, is one of the Mont-Blanc Country's references for guided introduction to verticality. Set in the Fiz massif on limestone rock, it overlooks the Arve valley and offers an exceptional panorama facing the Mont-Blanc massif, from the Aiguilles de Chamonix to the Dôme du Goûter.

The route stretches over 500 metres of cable for an elevation gain of approximately 180 metres (start ~1,250 m, finish ~1,420 m). Graded AD+, it is described as fun yet sporty: it strings together cables, rungs, handrail traverses and three emblematic aerial structures — a Nepalese bridge, a horizontal beam and a walkway — which have made its reputation among thrill-seekers. The via is secured by a continuous lifeline with regular anchor points, making it a recommended option for accompanied beginners not suffering from vertigo. Allow about 1 h 30 on the cable, excluding the approach walk.

Access is from the Chemin de Curalla hamlet in Passy, with a free shaded car park on the left. The approach walk is steep, lasts about 20 minutes and seriously warms up the legs; the return to the car park via the hiking trail takes ~40 minutes. The route is open year-round but is best enjoyed from April to late October, outside residual snow conditions. Mandatory equipment: harness, double energy-absorbing lanyard, helmet; supervision by a high-mountain guide or climbing instructor is strongly recommended for beginners. Minimum height 1.50 m.

Activities

What you can do here

Practical

Practical information

Address
Via ferrata start, Chemin de Curalla, 74190 Passy View on map
Coordinates
45.9244° N — 6.7036° E (start car park)
Altitude
Start ~1,250 m, finish ~1,420 m (elevation gain 180 m)
Opening Hours / Season
Open 24/7, practicable April to late October outside snow. Avoid in storms, heavy rain or wet rock.
Rates
Free for self-guided access. Guide office supervision €70-100/person half-day equipment included. Equipment rental €15-25/day in Passy or Sallanches.
Phone
Passy Tourist Office: +33 4 50 58 80 52 (information)
Official website
No official site — see franceviaferrata.fr or viaferrata-fr.net for detailed topo
Access / Parking
Free shaded car park at the end of Chemin de Curalla (signposted). Limited to ~15 cars — arrive early in summer.
Duration
Approach 20 min (steep) + via ferrata 1 h 30 + return path 40 min. Total ~2 h 30 to 3 h.
Required equipment
Mandatory: harness, double energy-absorbing lanyard UIAA/CE certified, helmet, hiking shoes. Recommended: gloves, 1 L water, windproof jacket.
Level / Public
AD+ — accompanied beginners welcome. Min height 1.50 m. Good fitness needed for the steep approach.
Booking
No booking. For supervision: contact Saint-Gervais guide office (04 50 47 76 55) or Chamonix.
Access

How to get there

By car

From Sallanches or Chamonix, exit Passy then follow 'Chemin de Curalla' signs in the village. Free car park at the end of the road on the left.

Open in Maps

Public transport

SNCF station Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet then taxi or Y04 bus to Passy centre, then 30-min walk up to the Curalla car park.

Open in Maps

By bike

Steep route from Sallanches or Passy centre — suitable for e-MTB only.

Open in Maps

Nearest stops

  • Saint-Antoine · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y85 · 265 m
  • Café Vert · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y85 · 465 m
  • Café Vert · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y85 · 499 m

Transport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)

Parking

Parking checked on 2026-06-15 · © les contributeurs d'OpenStreetMap sous licence ODbL

When to visit

When to visit

The season runs from April to late October, with peak from June to September. Spring (May-June): dry rock after rains, cool but pleasant temperatures, moderate attendance. Summer (July-August): very early starts recommended (from 8 am) as the wall faces full south — it gets very hot from 11 am. September-October: optimal conditions (mild temperatures, reduced attendance, golden light on Mont-Blanc). Always avoid storm days and after heavy rain (slippery limestone).
Events : The Curalla via ferrata hosts no organised events: it is a free-access mountain route. The Saint-Gervais, Chamonix and Passy guide offices occasionally run collective via ferrata introduction outings, often coupling Curalla in the morning with a second via in the afternoon (Bérard, Saix de Miolène). The Passy Tourist Office publishes a summer mountain activities programme including supervised introductions.
Nearby

Where to eat, drink, stay

Photos

Gallery

Been there? Share your photos — we'll add them to this page with credit. Tag #loisirs74 or email photos@loisirs74.fr

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a guide for the Curalla via ferrata?

Access is free, but a high-mountain guide or climbing instructor is strongly recommended for beginners. Allow €70-100 per person for a half-day at the Saint-Gervais, Chamonix or Passy guide offices, equipment usually included.

What level for the Curalla via ferrata?

The via is graded AD+ (Fairly Difficult +): fun yet sporty. It requires good fitness for the steep 20-min approach and proper exposure management. Suitable for accompanied beginners without vertigo.

What equipment for the Curalla via ferrata?

Mandatory: harness, double energy-absorbing lanyard UIAA/CE certified, helmet, hiking shoes. Recommended: ferrata gloves, water (1 L minimum), windproof, cap in summer (south exposure).

Is the Curalla via ferrata suitable for children?

Minimum height 1.50 m, generally corresponding to age 12-13. Children must be supervised by a guide or experienced adult, short-roped if weight < 50 kg, with prior introduction to verticality.

How long for the Curalla via ferrata?

Allow 1 h 30 on the cable, 20 min steep approach from the car park, and 40 min return via the path. Total: about 2 h 30 to 3 h depending on pace and crowding.

Is there parking at the Curalla via ferrata?

Yes, a free shaded car park is at the end of Chemin de Curalla in Passy, on the left. Capacity limited to ~15 cars — arrive early in July-August.

What is the best season for the Curalla via ferrata?

April to late October. September-October offer optimal conditions (mild temperatures, reduced crowds). In summer, start early (before 9 am) as the wall faces full south and heats strongly from 11 am.

Is the Curalla via ferrata exposed?

Yes, it features three notably aerial passages: a Nepalese bridge (three-cable suspension), a horizontal metal beam and a metal walkway. The continuous lifeline ensures safety, but exposure management remains essential.

What rock for the Curalla via ferrata?

Limestone of the Fiz massif, generally sound and adherent in dry weather. Becomes slippery in wet weather or rain: absolutely avoid outings after a shower or with thunderstorm threat.

Can I combine Curalla with another via in the same day?

Yes, Curalla lends itself well to combination with the Bérard via ferrata in Vallorcine or the Saint-Gervais Thermal Park via in the afternoon, each as a half-day. Several guide offices offer this double programme.

Sources

Sources & verification

Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.

Published 3 juin 2026·Updated 26/06/26

DirectionsOfficial site