Climbing site of Villard (Ventavon)

• We are currently in a Natura 2000 site.

The site is therefore of great environmental value. Please take care of it! We are also near a biological reserve managed by the National Forestry Office (ONF): NO NEW ROUTES MAY BE SET UP.

Any new route set up without consulting the ONF will be removed.

• The season, weather conditions, and biodiversity will influence the climbing periods.

A number of our cliffs face due south. During hot weather (mid-May through at least late August), these cliffs are hardly climbable (except in the late afternoon or evening).  Conversely, climbing there is very pleasant in early spring, fall, and winter.

Additionally, certain areas or routes may be closed in the spring and part of the summer due to, for example, the nesting of certain bird species or the presence of bats.
Let’s respect them!

It is therefore essential to take these factors into account when planning your outing and to do your research.

• Rocks and cliffs are preferred habitats for protected species

that seek shelter from human activity and predators. These areas are home to a rich and sensitive avifauna, as well as bats and specific plant life.
We urge you to be vigilant and to stop your activity if you discover occupied nests.

As such, it is strictly prohibited to route-set without prior authorization and assessment of the implications.

Preserve your environment; leave nothing behind, leave no trace of your visit. Take your trash with you. Fires are prohibited!
In case of urgent need, cover or bury your waste, take your toilet paper with you—do not burn it under any circumstances!
Do not write anything on the rock. Respect the facilities; do not alter them.
Thank you for your cooperation!

• You are in a natural mountain environment. At this altitude, the rock can become weakened each year due to the freeze-thaw cycle. Despite maintenance and cleaning of the rock faces, THE RISK OF ROCKFALL REMAINS.

• WARNING! Climbing is undertaken solely at the climbers’ own risk, and they remain entirely and solely responsible for the conditions and consequences associated with their activity.

Users bear the consequences of any damage suffered or caused as a result of their own negligence, particularly due to behavior that is inappropriate for the natural state of the area, the site’s layout, and/or the dangers normally foreseeable in nature.

• Safety rules and federal safety guidelines for climbing in natural settings:

► It is the responsibility of every climber to assess for themselves, using all available means, the risks involved in attempting a route.
► Prior training in the use of climbing equipment and safety techniques is essential.
► Use two anchor points to set up a top-rope or a belay station.
► Remember to always tie a knot at the end of the rope!
► Wearing a helmet is essential due to the risk of falling rocks.
► Climbing means knowing how to choose your gear, your own equipment, and the routes you take based on your technical skill level and experience. It also means knowing when to turn back if the site has features you cannot handle given your skill level.

If you encounter guard dogs, the proper actions to take are outlined at the following link: Médiation Pastorale