Via Ferrata at Orrido di Foresto

Introduction:

The Ferrata of the Orrido of Foresto is a beautifully landscaped via ferrata that winds through a magnificent natural gorge. The right one for two vertical walls is demanding with overhanging and decidedly adrenaline stretches with 3 suspension bridges, two of which are decidedly long and oscillating. Attention to the flow of the stream that literally can make life complicated both in the fords and in the two walls close to the second and third waterfall.

Starting location:

The starting point of the itinerary is the town of Foresto in Val di Susa, province of Turin. Once in the village, park near the church.

Directions for Google Maps available here.

Approach:

From the parking lot follow the signs taking the road ascending to the right. The road, first paved and then unpaved, continues into the ravine. Cross the stream for the first time, then go up the bottom of the stream and then wade the stream again until the start of Via Ferrata dell'Orrido di Foresto (15 'from the parking lot).

Via Ferrata:

Climb a first short vertical wall with brackets and then continue across the right that runs along the gorge. You will soon reach the first suspension bridge, long and swinging. We go deeper and deeper into the gorge along a traverse to the left. This traverse despite the holds is more challenging for the arms. Then we reach the second Tibetan bridge, shorter and more stable than the previous one.

From here we start another traverse to the right that leads us into the amphitheater, beautifully landscaped. The noise of the water invades us and makes the progression really interesting despite the rock is very affected by the humidity produced by the nearby waterfall. We go up a vertical wall with overhanging sections (key passage) which - despite the metal equipment - is difficult and demanding. The humidity in the area requires an additional level of concentration to avoid dangerous slips. We are practically next to the waterfall and the uphill stretch should not be underestimated for the environmental difficulties present. Once at the top of the wall (probably beautifully wet ...) continue along a short ledge and rest for a while and get ready for a stream ford.

From here you are in the vicinity of the third waterfall that you ascend in a vertical stretch also here with some overhanging point but less difficult than the previous one. This section also runs close to the waterfall, so we will have a damp wall and maximum concentration will be required. After the first vertical tear, it turns into an oblique traverse to the left and then again vertically less than two meters from the waterfall. After this ascent we are near the third Tibetan bridge. At this point the gorge becomes less narrow and brighter. We are near the fourth waterfall and we will approach it first with a horizontal traverse and then with a diagonal cross not difficult. Now close to this waterfall we go up the last wall and a series of rocks with which we end the Ferrata dell'Orrido di Foresto (2h from the start - 2h 15 'total).

Descent:

Once the ferrata is over, you return following the path indicated to the left (30 'from the end of the via ferrata - 2h 45' total).

Notes:

The Ferrata had been closed in 2016 following a landslide that affected the via ferrata near the first bridge. In October 2017, restoration work was completed on the Via Ferrata dell'Orrido di Foresto. This unstable rock situation therefore requires maximum attention from hikers.

The Ferrata is to be avoided in periods when the flow rate of the stream is high, since at least 3 fords are needed and this could create potentially dangerous situations. It may be useful to bring along a pair of slippers for the fords and a kway for the two sections near the falls.

Opportunities:

The Ferrata dell'Orrido di Foresto can be easily linked with one of the others ferrate present in the Val di Susa. Among these, the closest are the Ferrata dell'Orrido of Chianocco, the Via Ferrata Ruceia, the Ferrata Carlo Giorda, the Ferrata della Rocca Bianca towards Turin, or going further up the valley, you can do the via ferrata of Claviere (la Ferrata Rocca Clarì, the Military Ferrata, the Ferrata to the Chaberton or the Via Ferrata Batteria Bassa), the Via Ferrata of Rouas and the Ferrata Gorge of the Dora.