Tour d’Aï Via Ferrata

Set in a spectacular Alpine setting, the via ferrata of the Tour d'Aï in Leysin is a vertiginous adventure that will delight fans of heights and thrills. Rated K3, it is considered to be fairly difficult and very aerial, and is aimed at people in good physical shape who are comfortable with heights.

The route starts at Chaux-de-Mont, accessible by following the signs from two points: either from the summit of La Berneuse (reachable by gondola from Leysin), or from the village of Aï (reachable by chairlift). A short walk leads to the foot of the wall, where the ascent begins along the west face of the Tour d'Aï.

All along the way, climbers move along a wall equipped with cables, metal rungs and very aerial passages, in an impressive alpine environment. The panorama is exceptional: the Alps, Lake Geneva, Mont-Blanc and, on a clear day, the Jura plateau all come into view.

The route ends at the summit, at an altitude of 2,331 metres, where a cross marks the finish, before a descent on foot to the village of Aï. There's a welcoming refreshment bar where you can enjoy a well-deserved break in an authentic atmosphere.

To enjoy this experience in complete safety, it is essential to be fully equipped (helmet, harness, lanyard with energy absorber).

• Equipment can be hired from Hefti Sports, located right next to the start of the ski lifts in Leysin.

And for those who want a supervised ascent, you can call on the Bureau des Guides des Alpes Vaudoises, which offers safe, professional guidance.