What is Via Ferrata: In-depth Explanation & Places to Do it
Photo by Camille Chambefort on Unsplash
Have you ever looked at a mountain wishing you could climb it but were very aware of your lack of experience with rock climbing? Then a Via Ferrata might be for you.
A Via Ferrata is an “iron path”, meaning a route up a mountain with cables, iron pins and other metal structures that will guide you uphill, making exploring mountainous regions easier. Recently, the sport has become more popular. Fun, easy and with great views. What is not to like?
If this seems like something you would like to try, we’ve created this complete guide to Via Ferratas. Here you’ll learn everything about the sport, the equipment you will need and even where to go to attempt it.
History of Via Ferrata
Via Ferrata began in the 1800s in the alps of Austria when alpinist Friedrich Simony installed iron pins, hand hooks and carved footholds on the Dachstein. After that, other climbing aid solutions were placed in mountainous areas around Italy, Austria and France. It is on the Dolomites, however, that the Via Ferrata became crucial.
During the First World War, in 1914, the conflict between Italians and the Austro-Hungarian Empire took over the Dolomites, a strategic region during the war. Trying to gain control of the peaks, both sides of the conflict created fixated aid lines and iron ladders to help their troops ascend. Since then, the same paths have been updated, made even more secure and are still open for adventurers.
The path became an activity of its own from the 1950s on, spreading to other steep and rocky mountains worldwide. Nowadays, via ferratas can feature wire cable carts, bridges, more challenging pins or even more fun ways of helping inexperienced climbers.
Why and How to try Via Ferrata
For people who enjoy outdoor activities but need more confidence about trying more extreme sports, via ferrata can be a great starting point.
It is hard not to fall in love with the great outdoors when you reach the top of a mountain, see the landscape below and are taken aback by the beauty of nature. Climbing can be challenging, but it can also be gratifying and often poetic. It should be an activity that everyone can do, and anyone can enjoy.
Via ferratas make that possible, and with a few pieces of equipment and the proper guidance, even children can join in the fun.
People trying the activity will wear a harness and remain attached to wires all the time, meaning they will be safe even if they slip.
The Equipment you will need
Part of the reason why via ferrata is safe for beginners is the equipment. The paths make it easier for you to go up, but that doesn’t mean there are no risks. To make sure you won’t fall, you must always use these pieces of equipment:
Helmet
Helmets are essential pieces of equipment for a lot of challenging activities. They will protect your head in case of falls, hits or falling objects. During rock climbing and via ferrata, they will prevent serious injuries if anything comes tumbling down the slopes or if you slip.
Make sure you wear a helmet that is the perfect size for you, and you will barely notice it.
Harness
Most via ferratas – especially the ones located in climbing clubs – will have participants wearing a harness for extra safety. Harnesses will be attached to a lanyard that, in turn, will be connected to the course during the entire path. With your legs, torso and arms free to move, you won’t see any movement limitations but will be secured in case of a fall.
Lanyard
Lanyards are the pieces of equipment that will connect your harness and carabiners to the route. Made of a stretchy material, they will absorb the shock in case of a fall, making it much safer to climb and much more comfortable to stop.
Carabiners
Another essential piece of equipment is a carabiner. They are hooks that will attach cables and lanyards to the course. They are easy to unhook and attach to the next phase of your climb. They are user-friendly and provide a crucial layer of protection, ensuring you will always be connected to the course and the safety equipment.
Gloves
Gloves are not as essential as other pieces of equipment but will help with more challenging routes. Proper gloves will protect your hands from the metal pins and structures and provide a better grip if necessary.
Shoes
Special shoes are only sometimes necessary but are recommended on particular climbs. If you know what via ferrata you would like to try, check the specific recommendations for the region and decide the best footwear for the activity. Ofter, hiking shoes will do the trick for less intense routes.
The weather might also change this necessity. During the winter, mountain boots might be required, while during the summer, with loser rocks or drier terrains, you’ll need a better grip on your shoes.
When is the best time of the year to go Via Ferrata?
The best time of the year to do a via ferrata trip depends on your experience and interest in adventure. It also depends on your destination. Some routes are excellent in the summer, while others might be too wet to enjoy safely.
If you want safety and a great view of the ground below, you will definitely want excellent weather conditions. This means no rain, snow, ice or fog. Most mountains will provide a great experience during summer or spring, while winter might make things more difficult.
The snow and the cold will make the path slippery and metal pins harder to hold on to. However, this experience can present an extra challenge for people who are more experienced climbers.
Decide on your destination, research and ensure you have the right equipment, and you can enjoy this activity all year round.
Best places to go Via Ferrata
As you now understand, via ferrata is an activity fit for pretty much everyone. However, your disposition towards trying it might lie heavily on the destination of your adventure.
You can try via ferrata almost everywhere in the world. Assess the difficulty of the path you would like to take, check what kind of guided climbing is available and prepare yourself for a truly breathtaking experience.
Here are some suggestions of where to go:
The Dolomites, Italy
You can’t go wrong with the Dolomites, the birthplace of modern via ferrata. Located in Italy, the mountains have over 600 via ferratas available, with many different difficulty levels. According to Wanderlust, the shortest experience available is just 190 metres long, while the longest is 1.2 kilometres.
Due to the weather, the best time of year to go via ferrata in Italy is the spring, when there will be no snow, and the heat won’t be too intense.
Chang Kong, China
The via ferrata on the Chang Kong cliff in China is one of the oldest and scariest paths available. It is not an experience for the faint of heart.
The path is made of wooden planks that are only 30 centimetres wide. Due to how narrow the route is, you must finish it once you start. There is no way to go back. The whole climb should take about four hours.
La Via des Evettes, France
In contrast with the previous locations on this list, the via ferrata of La Via des Evettes, in the French Alps, is one of the most recent ones. It is an excellent option for beginners, as the climb takes only 1 hour.
A second climb can present more of a challenge for people feeling more adventurous — still, this mountain rates 2 out of 5 in difficulty.
Telluride, USA
If you think impressive landscapes are synonymous with the gorgeous views of North America, the Telluride via ferrata in the San Juan mountain range in the United States will definitely be worth your visit.
The experience is exciting, and it might be more fitting for people who are more used to this sort of activity. Through the path, you’re suspended by a harness at 500 feet. Doing the activity with a guide is highly recommended.
Jebel Jais, UAE
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the Jebel Jais is the highest mountain in the country, making the via ferrata one exciting walk. The path takes four hours to complete and combines walks, climbs and zip lines.
The via ferrata is guided by professional instructors and can be an excellent first adventure, as it has a steel cable running along the entire route, offering support.
Mount Kenya, Kenya
The via ferrata on Mount Kenya is the highest in the world, at 16,355 feet (4,985m) above sea level. Located in the Kenya Wildlife Service national park, this via ferrata also offers something exceptional: you can combine it with a safari. Just imagine going up and seeing elephants or leopards below you.
Experts say Mount Kenya via ferrata is also one of the most beautiful, with interesting vegetation and a fantastic variety of scenery, which even includes a glacier. The mountain is also the second highest in Africa, behind only Mount Kilimanjaro.
Honister, UK
If you are looking for an adventure in the UK, the via ferrata in the Honister Slate Mine in Cumbia’s Lake District is for you.
The route passes through mining trails, climbs, and bridges, taking 3 hours to complete. No climbing experience is needed, and the path is beginner-friendly, even encouraging children to participate in the adventure.
Once the climb is over, people will have a breathtaking view of one of the most beautiful regions of the UK.
Sacred Valley, Peru
South America also has spectacular via ferratas. The one in the Sacred Valley in Peru is one the most impressive. Ruins and incredible views surround the route.
One of the best features of this via ferrata is the zipline down is the final stage of the route. At 100 meters, the ride is an exciting end to an incredible adventure.
Bepi Zac al Costabella, Italy
Located in Italy, near Pie Falcade, this via ferrata is perfect for beginners. The route lasts about 5 hours, with a 470m distance. However, less experienced climbers can opt to skip some of the sections in the course.
Faja de las Flores, Spain
If you are an experienced climber or have tried others via ferratas and are ready for a more intense challenge, why not try this long multi-day trek in Spain?
The Faja de las Flores via ferrata will take you over the Pyrenees for 33.6km, which will be a very intense challenge. The views are fantastic and the dedication required to complete the route will be an invitation for the adventurers out there.
Conclusion
From Europe to Asia, to the Americas. There are many different via ferratas worldwide, contemplating different fitness levels and abilities. We recommend that you research, consider your interest and experience levels, and try it! There will probably be one near where you live.
The activity is increasingly becoming more popular. People have realised the benefits of enjoying the challenges nature has to offer while also exploring the beauty and tranquility of mountainous regions.
With the proper equipment and guidance, via ferrata is an incredible way to explore mountains safely. And it is hard to believe you won’t fall in love with this activity once you reach the top. The fantastic views of some of the world’s most impressive peaks will leave you wanting more.
The beauty of via ferrata is that you can progress in difficulty as you evolve, and in beginner routes, even children can participate. This is an activity that you get your family moving and will make your love for the outdoors grow.
We hope this article has inspired you to visit at least one of these destinations and have prepared you for when you decide to try it.