Explore 360

Via Ferrata Weekend

Pyrenees Adventure

  • Where?

    France

  • Altitude

    3,000m

  • Duration

    4 days

  • Weather

  • Physical

    P2

  • Technical

    T3

  • P2 - This trip is challenging and a good solid fitness level is required. There will be prolonged walking over varied terrain and you should be training to comfortably walk for 6 to 8 hours, over undulating terrain, with a few punchy uphill climbs, carrying a pack up to 6kg in weight.

    Visit our Grading Information page for a full overview.

  • T3 - May involve harder scrambling or some trekking and climbing with ropes. If snow is encountered then glacier travel with ropes, ice axes and crampons will be necessary. Basic climbing skills are ideal, but these will also be taught (and certainly practiced) during the expedition and pre-summit phase.

    Visit our Grading Information page for a full overview.

  • Overview

  • Date & Prices

  • Pics & Vids

  • Itinerary

  • Kit List

  • FAQs

Overview

Via Ferrata (iron path in Italian) is a great outdoors challenge offering an exciting combination of trekking and climbing.  In essence it is a mountain route equipped with steel cables, ladders and other fixed anchor points.  During 360’s majestic weekend of Via Ferrata you will follow the accessible and varied Via Ferrata routes in and around Canillo, Andorra  whilst being in the good hands of a highly experience guide with vast local knowledge.

Our chosen Via Ferrata routes have a feel of being off the beaten track in their vistas and exposure, yet easily accessible with short vehicle transfers at the beginning and end of each day. The lines followed are interesting, challenging and positive. The views of the high rocky Andorran peaks are breath-taking.

This trip is for beginner climbers or scramblers or those with some Via Ferrata experience who want to explore a new less travelled area.  Your local guides will take care of all logistics and will teach you all you need to know so that you can climb safely up the rocky mountain faces, allowing you to really enjoy the spectacular surrounding views.

Find out more
Via Ferrata Weekend, Pyrenees Adventure

Date & Prices

For private trips or bespoke itineraries inc. different dates, please contact the 360 office on 0207 1834 360.
A monthly payment plan is possible, please contact the office to chat through the options.

For private trips or bespoke itineraries inc. different dates, please contact the 360 office on 0207 1834 360.
A monthly payment plan is possible, please contact the office to chat through the options.

We currently have no scheduled dates for this expedition, however if you give the office a call on 0207 1834 360 it would be easy for us to get this up and running.

Included

  • Transfers from and to Foix train station
  • 360 Via Ferrata guide
  • Transfers to and from mountain base
  • Chalet accommodation (3 nights based on 2/3 sharing) with continental breakfast and 3 course set evening meal with wine
  • Afternoon tea and cake
  • Packed lunches for Saturday and Sunday on the mountain
  • Specialist equipment (zippers, all safety gear carried by your instructor)
  • Cotswold Outdoor discount
  • Monthly payment plan, on request

Not Included

  • Return travel to Foix train station
  • Extra alcoholic drinks (there is an honesty bar in the accommodation)
  • Travel insurance
  • Any additional costs associated with leaving the expedition early

Pics & Vids

Itinerary

DAY 1 : Arrive Canillo

Today you will be picked up by your 360 Guide from Toulouse airport. You will be then transferred to Canillo, Andorra. Evening spent having relaxed dinner with group.

DAY 2 : Full day of Via Ferrata

Today we will start the day with a hearty breakfast.  Followed by a briefing from your 360 Via Ferrata guide on the days events and a quick lesson on use of equipment.

We will then make our way to one of the several Via Ferratas above Canillo, the varying routes are a short distance from the accommodation.  We will aim to complete 2 routes today.

Evening spent having dinner with group at chalet.

 

DAY 3 : Full day of Via Ferrata

There are some great Via Ferrata lines in encamp, a short 15 minute drive away from our accommodation.  If the weather is in our favour and the group is capable of a big mountain day we may visit the exposed mountain route at Grau Roig.

After another full day of Via Ferrata we will make our way back to our chalet for a well deserved 3-course dinner with the group.

DAY 4 : Return UK

Today your 360 guide will take you back to Toulouse Airport, where you will take a flight back home.

These are subject to minor changes depending on flight arrival and departure times, weather, group dynamics and fitness and so on, but the itinerary outlined provides an excellent indication of the trek and what you will experience.

Kit List

Bags & Packs

Daysack

20-30L rucksack, your day to day pack that you carry with your daily essentials, fitted with shoulder straps and more importantly a waist belt

Kit bag

60L bag to carry all your belongings

Waterproof rucksack cover

To protect rucksack from rain

Headwear

Warm headgear

This can be a warm hat, beanie, balaclava, anything to reduce the heat loss from your head

Sunglasses

Worth spending money on good UV filters.  Julbo is our preferred supplier

Sunblock

Essential for protection from the sun

Lip salve

Sun cream will not work on your lips and they are very susceptible to burn without proper protection

Upper Body

Base layer

This is the layer closest to the skin and its principal function is to draw (wick) moisture and sweat away from the skin. You can also get thermal base layers for use at higher altitudes that provide an additional insulative layer while still drawing sweat during times of high exertion

Mid layer (long sleeved fleece tops)

These are typically lightweight microfleeces or similar technology that provide varying degrees of warmth and insulation without being overly bulky or heavy to pack

Warm gloves

Thinsulate/smartwool or similar

Waterproof jacket (Outer layer)

Gore-Tex or event seam sealed are recommended and big enough to fit over a couple of layers. This jacket will also serve as a great windproof too

Warm “puffy” jacket

Synthetic jackets recommended as they stay warm if wet. Arc’teryx recommended

Lower Body

Waterproof trousers

A lightweight pair of Goretex/eVent trousers that will act as a great windproof too

Comfortable climbing or walking trousers

Any brand which you feel comfortable wearing. These do not need to be expensive. Comfort is the most important attribute. Please no cotton leggings or jeans. You are likely to be working hard getting to the base of some of the routes. Quick drying/wicking material is therefore, very important. There is nothing worse than having a cold wet lower back for the whole day.

Long walking shorts

The emphasise is on the”long” so that hey are comfortable when you are wearing a harness. The same advice as for above in walking trousers.

Walking boots or approach shoes

Well worn in 3 season waterproof (ideally) boots with mid ankle support or sturdy approach shoes

Trekking socks

Single layer is fine unless you prefer a double layer sock. Most important is that they are not cotton. Smart wool is excellent

Technical Equipment

Climbing helmet

Your own comfortable climbing helmet with no damage or cracks

Hydration

Water bottles / bladder

Minimum 2L capacity either in a water bladder or Nalgene bottles

Toiletries

Wash kit

Keep it simple. Essentials are toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant. Moisturiser is advisable

Wet wipes

Great for cleaning hands when at the crag, although please use sparingly as the environment does not digest these easily.

Travel towel

Travel towels from the likes of Lifesystems are perfect

Alcohol gel

A must have for good camp hygiene

Medications

Personal first aid kit

The 360 med kits are designed to be used in emergencies and akin to an A&E rather than a pharmacy on Expeditions so please come prepared with useful meds for yourself such as painkillers (Ibuprofen if you can take it and a Paracetamol) plus blister plasters, plasters, antiseptic, rehydration sachets and any muscle rubs you wish to use.

Personal medication

Keep this in your daysack

Miscellaneous

Camera

Bring plenty of spare batteries and memory cards

Thermal flask

Lunch box

To put your lunch in so your sandwiches don’t get squashed, un-squashed ones are much more appetising!

Documentation

Passport

Don’t forget this! Your passport should have at least 6 months validity.  With your passport expiry date at least six months after the final day of travel.

Copy of passport

Just in case

Travel insurance

Copy of own travel insurance details.  And relevant contact numbers.

We have a partnership with True Traveller and would recommend that you contact them when looking for travel insurance for your trip with 360. However, it is vital that you ensure that the insurance cover they offer is suitable for you, taking your personal circumstances (items to be insured, cancellation cover, medical history) into account. Many other insurance providers are available and we do recommend that you shop around to get the best cover for you on the expedition you are undertaking.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip.  To include medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip.

Dental check up

We recommend you have a dental check-up before your trip. New fillings can be an issue at altitude if there is an air pocket left in the gap

FAQs

Guides

Are your guides qualified?

All of the guides working on our courses hold the International Mountain Leader (IML) which is equivalent to the French ” Accompagnateur de Montagne” and the Mountain Instructor Award (MIA) A UK qualification which is recognised in Andorra and Spain for leading and instructing on Via Ferrata and climbing.

Food and Water

Where do we get drinking water from?

All drinking water is from the chalet; please bring a reusable water proof bottle.  As an environmentally aware company we discourage buying plastic bottled water as we are always trying to do our bit and educate those who we take out on the hill with us.

What is the food like during the challenge?

The food during the challenge is plentiful and of very good quality often using local sourced ingredients.  Breakfasts consist of pastries, fresh bread and jams and you can expect a three course meal with wine in the evenings.

Do you provide snacks during this expedition? Or do you recommend that we bring our own?

We will provide some snacks such as museli bars and chocolate bars as part of your packed lunch. But if there is anything you particularly can’t live without please bring it with you.

Accommodation

What is the chalet like?

El Meners are comfortable chalet bungalows in the heart of Canillo that can each sleep up to 6 people.

Health and Safety

What happens if there is an issue during Via ferrata with a client- a fall or an illness?

360 Expeditions have conducted detailed risk assessments and put the necessary plans in place to cope with any accidents or illness whilst out on the challenge. Our Via ferrata leaders are highly qualified and experienced mountain leaders who hold expedition first aid qualifications and are used to working in remote environments. Their training allows them to deal with situations quickly and safely.

Should someone find themselves requiring further medical attention, the leader will organise for that individual to be taken from the route and transferred to the nearest hospital. The leader and the 360 office team will also be on hand to offer guidance and support for insurance claims and contacting next-of-kin.

Is there any risk of altitude sickness on this trek?

There is minimal risk of altitude sickness on this challenge

Kit

What kit do I need?

Please refer to the kit list.

Can I bring my own zippers

If you have your own zippers please let us know so we can discuss with you their suitability.

What experience do I need to take part?

This trip is for beginner climbers or scramblers or those with some Via Ferrata experience who want to explore a new less traveled area.

The Weather

What is the weather like?

During the day temperatures can be warm and can even reach to the mid 20 C. In the evening higher up, it could drop to below freezing and have a chill in the air.

As you will be in a mountain environment, the weather can rapidly change for the worse so you need to be prepared for all conditions. Even in good weather it is not uncommon to have short heavy downpours or light snow fall.

Travel

What flights would you suggest?

For this expedition, you will need to book flights to Toulouse Blagnac Airport.  You can fly with any of the following airlines from several major airports in the UK: Easyjet, RyanAir and British Airways.

When booking your flights please ensure that your flight arrival times coincide with train times from Toulouse-Matabiau train station to Foix train station. 360 will meet you at Foix train station.  Alternatively, you can rent a car from one of the many car hire companies at Toulouse Airport.

Insurance

Do I need special travel insurance for the expedition?

You must carry individual travel insurance to take part in the expedition. We cannot take you on the mountain without proof of insurance.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip.  To include medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip.

Your insurance details are requested on the booking form, however this can be arranged at a later date. 360 Expeditions will be requesting your insurance details 8 weeks before your departure.

Training

What training do I need?

As a climber or someone who has undertaken the odd UK scramble you will have some level of basic fitness. Try to add to this by walking or running more regularly a month or so before the trip. Being out on the hill for several days at a time requires stamina and if your body is used to longer periods of exertion you will not suffer from muscle aches.

Electronics

Is there mobile reception?

Mobiles will work fine at the chalet and reception will be intermittent when we are out on the hill.

Will I be able to get WIFI along the way?

Up on the mountain you will most likely not have WIFI due to remoteness. But you will be able to get it at the chalet in Canillo.

Can I charge my camera/phone at the chalet?

You will be able to charge your phone/camera at the chalet.  Remember to bring an European 2 pin plug adaptor with you.

Straight from the start when we were met from the airport everything seemed to just flow, and if there were any problems they were dealt with quickly, and to mutual satisfaction by all involved. Overall 360 Expeditions staff were first class.

Lee Stacey
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