Looking for an easy to access bouldering area, with enough problems for an afternoon? Pierre de Beurre just outside the city of Martigny in Valais, Switzerland has you covered. This small sector nestled just behind the orchards on the outskirts of the city is a lovely open space with some quality problems.
Within such close proximity of the highway and town, the appeal of Pierre de Beure is the ease of access. The actual boulders lie in a small park area just behind the some private orchards. You’ll see locals using this space not just for bouldering but also for a picnic or barbecue. The small field is very bright as it basks in the sun in the morning and early afternoon, while the evenings will stay light until 9p.m. in the summertime.
There are around 8 boulders, with the main bloc directly opposite the picnic bench. A few scattered at the entrance are a perfect playground for kids, or can be used as warm-up blocs before tackling the harder problems.
The main bloc contains a number of problems from 6a through to 7b. Some can be linked to chain together longer traverses if you want to get those arms pumping. The problems can be a bit tricky to figure out, especially the ones in the cave and behind the block, but once you see the lines and the various combinations you’ll have access to a nice range of training options. The second largest boulder further back is an overhanging slab with two tough boulders in the 6 range and one extremely sick 8a further left.
While not the biggest bouldering area in the region, Pierre de Beurre is a great training ground for those looking for a quick and easy option for an afternoon workout outdoors.
