On Whether to Do a Hike and a Via Ferrata on the Same Day

Two weeks ago I thought that I would have an issue with this weekend and I was right. I thought that I would want to do a hike with one group, and do a Via Ferrata with a second group. That situation is now a reality.

A Good Hiking Group and a Goal I want to Reach

I have wanted to walk up to the Dent De Vaulion for a few weeks now, and on Saturday I have the opportunity to do this with a group, rather than alone. Not only this, but it’s also a group that I appreciated being with two weeks ago. I want to experience that group again on Saturday. The issue is that it’s a 13km walk with 700m of climbing. In my experience the distance is usually longer than planned, and if it is sunny and warm then heat fatigue is possible.

Having Energy in the Evening

My other concern has been around for weeks at this point. If I have lunch at midday and then I do something physical like a Via Ferrata in the evening, then how do I ensure that I have enough energy to do the climb. I was considering this challenge ahead of deciding that I wanted to do the hike in the morning. If I do the hike I will be fatigued. If I spend the day in the sun the sun will fatigue me. If I do not have snacks with me during the climb, and water, then I will be fatigued too.

Fear of Mission Out - FOMO

What this situation boils down to is FOMO. I want to go on the hike because I have a fear of missing out. But missing out on what? Meeting good people. By that logic the Via Ferrata Illuminé will be an excellent opportunity to meet people as well. We’ll be at the registration, and then we’ll be at the funiculaire, and then on the Via ferrate, and then at the top for the meal, and then on the télécabine down. In theory I will have my crowd bath (Bain de foule) with ease. If I save my energy for the evening then that is when I will benefit the most.

Once Per Year and a Short Season

The via Ferrata Illuminé is once per year in Moléson. This means that I need to do it on a specific day, or I will have to wait another year for another opportunity. The hike, in contrast, is easy to organise anytime. In fact it may be a good hike to do in Autumn, when the leaves are changing colour. I have been to the Vallée de Joux and Vallorbe quite a few times this year so it may be rational not to go yet again.

And Finally

I will stay signed in to the hike until it reaches 25 people, and at this point I may pull out to allow someone else the opportunity to enjoy the hike, that has no other plans. Logistically if I do the hike I need to park at Le Pont. The train is once an hour from Le Pont. If time is tight I want the flexibility of the car.

In an ideal world both activities would be on different day.