Route A: Basic path, Climbing Grade Fairly Difficult, gap 750 m. time 2 h
Route B: La Balma del Camoscio, Climbing Grade Difficult, gap 250 m. time 1,30 h
Route C: Cave Variant, Climbing Grade Moderately Difficult, gap 40 m. time 10 minutes.
Bardonecchia m. 1350
In the valley the via ferrata in the Rouas wood is very similar to the French paths where these kinds of itineraries now in vogue and where thousands of people everyday pack the facilities in every region. The environment is typically alpine. It develops on finely carved limestone and offers dramatic panoramic views on the Bardonecchia Valley. The equipping is faultless, and three paths with different difficulties and length can be interchanged to satisfy the requirements of the experts, beginners and children. In fact the easiest route is provided with anchor points and tight steps. The approach route is very short and the way down lasts few minutes.
Description: The via ferata takes shape on the cliff that overlooks the provincial road running from Bardonecchia to Valle Stretta. Parking lot and departure point are on the edge of the road; nearly 300 meters above the hamlet of Melezet, in the region called Pian del Colle. The route starts uphill whit some bent buttress, short relieves and slabs, it then gently curves to the left among ledges and jumps until you reach an intersection called Balma del Camoscio: Go to the left along a steep cliff, pass through a large roof, and you will arrive to the side of the Rouas Mount. Alternatively from the intersection called Balma del Camoscio turn to the right if you want to take the more demanding route. Here after an inclined point, an overhang will take to the upper zone of the cliff, from where you can proceed along a traverse of striated slabs. Cross few waterfalls and continue among corners and small overhangs. Finally an easy arête takes to the Rouas Wood on top of the cliff. A level path with easy rocks takes back o the mount side. The peculiar cave passage is reachable by the easy traverse ascending to the left, the traverse becomes more exposed at the end. A tight rope and a stable trestle bridge allow crossing the original cracks that cut the cliff above Pian del Colle; some downhill routes, exposed traverses and ledges take to a large arch corner at the bottom of which the via ferrata ends. After few minutes of walk we are back at the parking spot.
Note: The via ferrata is carefully armed along its easy variant to help beginners and children.
