PIZ TROVAT I

Piz Trovat Via Ferrata is the highest altitude route in Switzerland, standing directly above the Vadret Pers glacier, and as a result, it is truly a spectacular setting, perhaps the most scenic of any course in the country.

 

The course is split in 2 with Piz Trovat I being a K3 (C) route, and Piz Trovat II being a K6 (E) route.  The 2 courses start together and finish together, they branch out from one another at the mid point.  Piz Trovat I is a really nice climb, which will take you just over an hour to complete.  The course starts after a 30 minute walk from the cable car station across a boulder strewn path.  From the start, the route quickly ascends with ladders and stimples up the rock face.  The first section immediately gives you a good taste of the rest of the course in its design, layout and geography.  

 

About half way along the route, there is a footbridge across a canyon which for me is the real highlight of the course.  Directly after the footbridge is the toughest part of the course, a headwall which goes directly up with some very small overhangs to traverse, but nothing too technical.  The ascent passes a beer tap at the toughest point and takes you quickly up in altitude.  The final part of the course is a gentler run into the summit.  And your reward for the efforts, is a truly stunning summit - which for me, equals Tour d'Ai for sheer spectacle.

 

The descent is a steep, rocky traverse down the other side of the mountain.  Be careful, the huge amount of boulders mean it is easy to loose your way so continue to look for the blue / white markers as you descend - they are well positioned.  And finish with a well earned drink at the cable car station!

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Really nice via ferrata, where the scenery is the real star! 

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Footnote: I didn't try the Piz Trovat II K6 course, but as you will imagine, being K6 in rating means that it is very tough and needs expertise and upper body strength before taking on.