To coincide with the 2025 reissue of the climbing guides extrem WEST (Volume 2) and plaisir WEST (Volume 2), author Sandro von Känel presents his favorite climbing areas from both books exclusively for Lacrux. So, if you're not from the area, or have other hobbies or commitments besides climbing, you'll find a compact overview of the most worthwhile climbing destinations in Western Switzerland here.
Sandro von Känel's Top 11 Climbing Tips in Western Switzerland
- Les Cheserys climbing area
- Barberine climbing area
- Climbing route Six Carro – Plaisir d'automne (6a+, 480 m)
- Climbing route Petit Clocher du Portalet – Nouvelle ère (6b+, 280 m)
- Vallon de Saleina climbing area
- Climbing route Petits Perrons – Perronite (6a+, 360 m)
- Val d'Arolla – Douves Rousses climbing area
- Bettmeralp climbing area
- Gelmerfluh climbing area – Guacamole (6c+, 270 m)
- Chrindi climbing area
- Oeschinensee climbing area
Les Cheserys climbing area
Not exactly an insider tip in western Switzerland and Haute-Savoie. The wonderful pleasure climbs with views of Mont Blanc are simply too beautiful. If you haven't yet experienced "Les Cheserys," you should change that quickly!
Barberine climbing area
Anyone who lets the lush vegetation on the wall put them off is missing out. The routes wind elegantly through the 300-meter-high wall, and the rugged gneiss leaves nothing to be desired. Depending on the weather, the season begins as early as March and ends in late autumn.
Climbing route Six Carro – Plaisir d'automne (6a+, 480 m)
Far away from the hustle and bustle, an unknown peak called "Six Carro" awaits in the wild and romantic Val d'Arpette. The 14-pitch "Plaisir d'automne" route leads to it. A true delight on grippy granite.
Climbing routes Petit Clocher du Portalet – Nouvelle ère (6b+, 280 m)
This perfect granite needle has been world-famous ever since Seb Berthes and Siebe Vanhees' first free ascent of "L'histoire sans fin." Those who "only" climb 6b+ rather than 8b+ will find "Nouvelle ère" the perfect portalet route for beginners. The second-to-last section of the route leads over a razor-sharp ledge with a view down below—a thrill guaranteed!
Vallon de Saleina climbing area
The Vallon de Saleina is a small side valley of the Val Ferret in Lower Valais. In the heart of this stunning area, you'll find climbing gardens for children, beginners, and advanced climbers, as well as multi-pitch routes on smoothly polished glacial slabs—the choice is yours!
Climbing route Petits Perrons – Perronite (6a+, 360 m)
10 pitches of grippy gneiss, a beautiful summit with panoramic views and a comfortable descent on foot ensure a full day of climbing.
Val d'Arolla – Douves Rousses climbing area
Until now, the Val d'Arolla has been relatively unknown for climbing. Thanks to the numerous renovations and new developments in recent years, this is set to change. The rock and protection are perfect, and the wonderful surroundings promise a unique climbing experience.
Bettmeralp climbing area
Leisurely pleasure climbing in the holiday paradise of Bettmeralp. Three different sectors await with numerous new routes for all ages. The magnificent mountain scenery is a standard feature in the Upper Valais.
Climbing route Gelmerfluh – Guacamole (6c+, 270 m)
A route for anyone who knows the colors of the cams by heart and knows how to use them! Apart from a few intermediate bolts and the belays, the route is clean. The climbing on flakes and cracks is extremely varied and interesting.
Chrindi climbing area
Top-notch rock and top-notch protection. Chrindi offers routes of 1-4 pitches for beginners and advanced climbers alike. All of them are made of the finest, sharp Alpine limestone and feature climbing-garden-like protection.
Oeschinensee climbing area
Climbing above the natural wonder of Lake Oeschinen is an exclusive experience! Anyone with strong lead climbing skills and a 7a level at their fingertips will definitely not be disappointed.
You may also be interested in
- Rätikon | Babsi Zangerl & Jacopo Larcher redpoint Next Generation (8b+, 170 m)
- Lara Neumeier climbs Silbergeier: "It's about giving it your all anyway"
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Credits cover and article images: Filidor