Paretone rock climbing wall
Resorts: Arnad
The wall is legendary. This wall marked the passage from classic climbing routes to modern sport routes. It is highly popular with northern climbers in the spring and fall due to the excellent and special rock quality. The first routes were climbed with climbing shoes and traditional bolts. Now these routes were modernized to let free climbers ascend in greater safety.
Distances between protections are well-spaced so as not to force the climb and excessive material use.
Technical information
How to get here
Verrès highway exit. Turn right. After the town of Arnad and an overpass, park on the left of the road at the end of the straightaway. The path starts in front of the parking lot and crosses the wall’s base ledges.
Description of the route
The wall is clearly visible from the road. The wall is shaped like a rock cupcake made up of ledges on compact rock with typical cracks and grips. The climb is purely face climbing on long routes that require a half a day or more.
The activity requires technical experience. Alpine guide assistance is recommended.
Descent: Stops have chains and belays. Climbers mainly walk down the eastern side of the wall or take the path on the north side. You can leave a second car in the Machaby parking lot or abseil down if you don’t make it to the top. This is not recommended since it is more difficult and may hinder other climbers on their way up.
Minimum, maximum and average route difficulty from 5c to 7a, average 6a.
Total number of routes: 41 + 6 in the case Fara sector.
Average length is 200 meters with a minimum of 35 and maximum of 280 meters.
Other rock walls in the area: Gruviera - Arnad.