Via ferrata "Bethaz Bovard"

Built by the Valgrisenche Alpine Guides Society in the early 1990s, the Béthaz-Bovard Via Ferrata is one of the most spectacular and demanding equipped routes in Aosta Valley. In 2026, the via ferrata underwent a major maintenance project.

With approximately 1,000 metres of elevation gain and 1,850 steps, the route requires good mountain experience and a reasonable level of fitness (EEA difficulty rating). A helmet and via ferrata set are essential equipment.

The Via Ferrata is dedicated to Claudio Bovard and Piero Béthaz, two young aspiring alpine guides from Valgrisenche who lost their lives in mountain accidents. The route is divided into four sections and can also be completed only in part, although the escape routes require a good knowledge of the area.

The start of the via ferrata is located near the Fontina cheese storage facility, in the hamlet of Capoluogo, above the Giordana Barracks - Vieux Quartier, at an altitude of 1,690 metres. The route climbs to 2,605 metres, near Becca de l'Aouille (2,670 m), with an average ascent time of between 4 and 4.5 hours. From the parking areas, continue along the paved road to the Fontina warehouse and pass it for about ten metres to the left, where the first steps can be found. Climb a vertical wall, move right and continue over a series of rocky ledges, some of them quite exposed but almost always with good footholds. There is only one section of about 2 metres that requires some strength on an overhanging wall. At an altitude of 1,930 metres, you reach Trail No. 17, which descends to the right towards Valgrisenche (first escape route). This detour leads directly behind the Fontina warehouse.

Continue instead along the uphill path on the left, reaching the second section of the via ferrata at around 1,950 metres. This section also includes partially exposed passages over beautiful rock slabs equipped with numerous steps. At 2,180 metres, there is another escape route. This is the trail leading to Grandes Laures, a large panoramic terrace. From here, it is possible to take the steep track that joins Trail No. 17 back down to Valgrisenche. Continue right along the path, with a few slightly descending stretches, until reaching the rock slabs of the third section of the via ferrata, characterised by exposed passages and a difficulty level similar to that of the first section.

At approximately 2,350 metres, another escape route is encountered, connecting with Trail No. 18 leading to La Béthaz. The route then continues first along the rock face and then along a beautiful ridge to reach the fore-summit of Becca de l'Aouille. From there, continue on foot to reach, within a short distance, the transmission tower located on the actual summit.

Once the via ferrata is completed, continue uphill to a small col from where the descent is facilitated by several fixed cables, leading to Trail No. 18. Following this trail to the right, La Béthaz can be reached in approximately 2 hours. Returning along the regional road towards the dam for 2.5 km brings you back to the parking area near the Fontina warehouse.
An alternative return route is to continue towards the Morion Lakes and descend to the village of Bonne via Trails No. 18 and No. 16.

Access to the Béthaz-Bovard Via Ferrata is permitted only during the summer season, following safety inspections by the alpine guides. 
Before setting out, visitors should therefore check the alpine guides' website or the municipal notice boards to confirm that the route is officially open. For greater safety, it is recommended to be accompanied by an alpine guide.