Hike to the Pierre Ronde Via Ferrata—starting from Auris-en-Oisans

Looking for an adventure? Combine a beautiful hike with a via ferrata outing! A unique experience offering exceptional views!

Enjoy a magnificent hike through a wide variety of landscapes as you make your way to the starting point of the Pierre Ronde via ferrata, located in the Sarenne Gorges between Alpe d'Huez and Auris-en-Oisans.

Starting from Auris, set off with your climbing harnesses toward Alpe d’Huez, where you can admire the various mountain ranges of the Oisans: Ecrins, Taillefer, and Belledonne. You’ll pass through charming, traditional villages and reach the Sarenne Gorges, a pristine, shaded, and cool spot along the river.
Upon arriving at the starting point of the Pierre Ronde via ferrata, you can rest and grab a bite to eat—if you’d like—at the mountain restaurant (if it’s open) before tackling the vertical challenge.

On the return from the via ferrata, you’ll take a different path than on the way there to catch a distant view of the Arves Massif, with the Aiguilles d’Arves coming into view as you head toward the Col de Cluy. You’ll enjoy diverse and varied views all along the route.

If you’re traveling with family and your companions don’t wish to tackle the via ferrata, they can rest a bit longer at the inn and meet up with you a little further along the trail, which joins the via ferrata’s return path.

A full-day adventure for experienced hikers.
It’s also possible to reach the start of the via ferrata from

• Either Huez Village by taking only the Sarenne Gorges trail via the parking lot listed on Google Maps: “Avenue des Fontaines Parking”
• Or from Alpe d’Huez by parking at the via ferrata’s finish point via the parking lot listed on Google Maps as “Via ferrata Alpe d’Huez,” in which case you’ll need to take the trail that descends and head toward the Auberge de la Combe Haute on a shorter loop.

Find the step-by-step guide below, along with explanatory documents available for download.

Starting from the station, first head to the Col de Maronne, then follow the start of the downhill ski run (follow the sign for the Maronne–Le Chatelard ski run)

Immediately to the right as you descend, look for a yellow sign marked “Le Rosai” and carefully follow the yellow trail markers.

At Le Rosai, follow the signs for “Pont Romain”; once you reach it, turn right and head upstream along the Sarenne River.

Pass under the legendary Alpauris chairlift and continue to the Combe Haute restaurant (either the vehicle-accessible road or the GR trail on the right will take you there).

Once you arrive at the Combe Haute restaurant, you’ll see a wooden sign pointing to the Via Ferrata. The starting point is a 2-minute walk to the left.

At the starting point, you’ll find an information sign for the via. Start just behind it, where you’ll find a large scree slope.

From there, look for the cairns (piles of rocks) to guide you. The route begins in the forest across from you, slightly to the right, as you climb up the scree slope. As you continue along the forest trail, you’ll come to the first safety line (metal cable), where you’ll secure yourself using your carabiners. Depending on your skill level, choose your route (challenging or beginner).

During the climb, be sure to enjoy the magnificent view of the Oisans peaks!

Once at the summit, turn left and then right toward a massive boulder. A trail will appear behind it; follow it until you reach the road to the Col de Sarenne.

To descend, follow “Le Gua” and “Auris” along a stone trail marked by a yellow sign. Once at the bottom, turn left to cross the wooden bridge.

After the bridge, first follow the signs for Auris – Col de Cluy, then at the second intersection, follow the signs for Col de Maronne / Combe Lombard by turning right.

You’ll rejoin the road, which will take you back to the starting point, the Col de Maronne above the resort.