AtlasBas Valais

Giétro (Main Branch)

verified Ungraded Unknown flood risk Fionnay, VS

One of the most extreme canyons that Switzerland has to offer. Its remote location, high altitude and technical rappels can turn your journey into one of your best days ever, or your worst nightmare.

Giétro I and II are not very long and relatively open, but once you've entered Giétro III, it will take some time until you'll find a way out again. The big waterfall has a highest abseil of 50m. Towards the end is a water capture which could still be working, make sure to call the electric company to know more. A few rappels before reaching the lake you can get back to the road with the tunnels.

Logistics

PermitNo permit system is documented, but the canyon lies below an active hydroelectric water capture. Ropewiki warns that above the capture the flow runs higher, while below it depends on releases tied to the Brenay and Otemma glacier catchments, and that the road up to the dam is often gated shut, forcing a bike approach.
Technical50 rappels, longest 50m
SeasonOctober
Coordinates46.00142, 7.36722

Sources