climbing on the Salève via the Grande Varappe route

Want to try rock climbing in the mountains? At the summit of Mont Salève, the Grande Varappe is an outdoor climbing wall, 20 meters high and 11 meters wide, accessible to climbers of all levels from age 6 and up! Even beginners can conquer the wall and enjoy the exceptional view of Lake Geneva and the city of Geneva.

Led by our instructor, the introductory session takes place in pairs with other participants: a simple and fun way to discover climbing in a natural setting.

La Grande Varappe: a climbing wall high in the mountains

La Grande Varappe is our climbing wall, located at the summit of Mont Salève, right at the cable car exit. With over 900 holds and 6 climbing routes spread across 20 meters high and 11 meters wide, the wall has been designed to allow both beginners and experienced climbers to challenge themselves or simply discover climbing in ideal conditions.

This activity is accessible from age 6 and up, only in supervised sessions led by an instructor, with a 55-minute reservation required. You can book online or on-site, 5 minutes before the start of each session!

The climbing wall is open from April until the end of summer, weather permitting. All necessary equipment is provided on site: harness, rope, helmet, etc. All you need to do is come dressed comfortably, ready to climb. Whether it’s for a first-time experience, a family outing, or a challenge with friends, La Grande Varappe is a great opportunity to try climbing in the mountains, in complete safety.

Useful information

  • Activity duration: 55 minutes (presentation, equipment, practice)
  • Reopening on April 4th
  • Times: 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM
  • For whom: From age 6 (children aged 6 to 16 must be supervised by an adult during the activity)
  • Meeting point: Arrival station, on the climbing wall’s landing area
  • Prices: €12 with a valid public transport ticket / €30 without a public transport ticket
  • Booking: Reservations are required on our website. Or directly in the shop up to 5 minutes before the start of the activity.

Why try rock climbing on Salève?

Did you know? The word “varappe,” now synonymous with “rock climbing,” actually comes from the name of a gorge on Mont Salève. This Varappe gorge was one of the first playgrounds for Genevan climbers in the 19th century. Mont Salève is therefore one of the historic climbing destinations in Europe. No wonder the climbing wall bears this name!

Trying climbing on Mont Salève means getting started in an iconic location that is both accessible and safe. The activity requires no prior experience, is supervised, and is open to children aged 6 and up. It also fits perfectly into a day trip: before or after a walk, a entertainment, entertainment, lunch at the summit restaurant  or even a paragliding session !  

A supervised activity for young and old

For children

Rock climbing is an excellent activity for children, allowing them to move, concentrate, and develop their motor skills naturally. From age 6, they can participate in a session with our instructors in a safe environment with an approach adapted to their age.

The instruction remains fun and reassuring; the goal is to build children’s confidence, have fun, and help them develop their motor skills without pressure. It’s also a unique activity to offer for an outdoor birthday party at the summit of Mont Salève.

Discover the birthday-format activity

For adults

There’s no age limit to discovering rock climbing. Whether you’re a beginner or simply curious, the 55-minute session allows you to get a feel for the activity in a safe environment, with the guidance of an instructor. Rock climbing is also an excellent way to challenge yourself with friends or colleagues. It’s an activity that works very well for group events: seminars, team building, or private outings. Thrills guaranteed, without unnecessary risk.

Discover group climbing

Supervision provided by the instructors of Bureau de la Montagne du Salève
This structure was created by mountain professionals to offer, within the same structure, several activities around the Salève: themed hikes, skiing, climbing, mountain biking, via ferrata, etc.

Questions fréquentes

  • The activity lasts 55 minutes and takes place outdoors, right next to the arrival station. Meet at the base of the climbing wall at least 5 minutes before your session begins!

    The instructor will welcome you, introduce the activity and the safety rules, and then, after a demonstration, you’ll quickly get to practice!

    Depending on your skill level, the instructor from the Salève Mountain Bureau will adapt the activity to suit your preferences: whether you’re looking for a sporting challenge, want to experience the camaraderie of a climbing team, or simply climb at your own pace.

  • We provide basic equipment: rope, harness, etc. We do not provide climbing shoes. Please bring climbing shoes or fitness shoes.

    We advise against wearing skirts or dresses. Please bring appropriate clothing for the activity: skorts, shorts, loose-fitting pants, or any other comfortable clothing suitable for sports.

    As the activity takes place outdoors, please bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and clothing and footwear appropriate for the location and weather.

  • Rock climbing is an activity accessible to everyone. With its 900 holds and 6 routes, the climbing wall has been designed to accommodate both beginners and experienced climbers. Our auto-belay devices can support a maximum weight of 140 kg. The instructor will suggest exercises tailored to your level and goals.

  • The day before your activity, at the end of the day, the instructor will check if the weather conditions are suitable for climbing for your session the following day. If the conditions are not suitable, your activity will be cancelled. You will have the option of requesting a refund or choosing a later date.

  • Access to the climbing wall is supervised by a professional climbing instructor. Outside of scheduled activity times, access is strictly prohibited, even for the most experienced climbers.

To discover