Via Ferrata trails are an ideal way to get climbing on mountains that might seem intimidating, without the expertise of an expert alpine mountaineer. These rocky passages through steep slopes and their pre-installed helpful hardware date back over a hundred years, in some cases.
Getting started with Via Ferrata climbs is probably easier than you realize. Today, I’m going to take you through what kit you’ll need for your Via Ferrata climbing adventures. Plus, I want to give you some details on some of my favorite climbs of this type, including Via Ferrata Dolomites trails and Via Ferrata Skalka.
Via Ferrata Explained
Via Ferrata means “Road of Iron” in Latin, and that describes these challenging yet accessible climbs pretty well. Via Ferrata climbs are usually tough scrambles or narrow paths, but with metal cables, ladders, or other hardware attached to the mountainside. Climbers use their own harnesses and carabiners to attach themselves to the cables for safety.
These cables might look like strong metal rungs or steps embedded deep into the rock. They may also look like a metal grid or web, depending on what support is needed to circumnavigate the route.
Klettersteig or Via Ferrata: What’s the Difference?
Absolutely nothing! Klettersteig is the German word for the same type of climb as Via Ferrata. The literal meaning of Klettersteig is “climbing path,” where “Kletter” means climb and “Steig” translates to “steep track.”
Why might you see routes marked as Klettersteig instead of Via Ferrata? Mostly, it depends on where you’re climbing. If you’re in a German-speaking country, trails will most likely be referred to as Klettersteig. Elsewhere? It’s Via Ferrata. Simple!
Is Via Ferrata For Me?
It goes without saying that you need to be relaxed about heights before committing to a Via Ferrata climb. Via Ferrata routes occur along mountains and cliffs with spectacular, breathtaking views, many of them at high altitudes. For example, the Stuibenfall Via Ferrata in the Ötztal Valley in Tirol circumvents the magnificent Stuibenfall waterfall, which is 159 meters high.
Upper body strength is important, but perhaps not as vital as “traditional” climbing. Via Ferrata climbs have metal connection points all along the route, so there’s no point where you’re free climbing and unattached—as long as you remember to clip yourself safely to the safety points provided.
If you feel physically and mentally confident, I definitely recommend giving a Via Ferrata trail a go. You’ll see views you won’t see anywhere else and the sense of achievement upon completion; well, there really isn’t much else like it.
Preparing For Your First Via Ferrata or Klettersteig
Getting your Via Ferrata kit together is one of your first steps, but there’s more on that in the next section. You also need to think about where you want to climb: Via Ferrata Skalka? Via Ferrata Dolomites? Germany? There are so many great trails, but as a beginner, you probably want to check out one with a lower difficulty level first.
There are Via Ferrata routes in the United States, so you don’t have to go overseas to experience this thrill for yourself. Look for beginner Via Ferrata routes in Idaho Springs and Tahoe, for example.
Difficulty levels range from A to F, where A is the easiest and F is highly challenging. Beginners, don’t overstretch yourselves! Choose A or B difficulty routes only. If you’re not sure, consider speaking to a local guide or climbing organization that can advise you on if a route is right for you.
The Ultimate Via Ferrata Kit
Getting together a Via Ferrata kit is simple If you have access to a good climbing store or online retailer. There’s also the option to rent parts of your Via Ferrata kit, which may be beneficial if you’re only planning to do this type of climb occasionally.
One of the primary benefits of Via Ferrata is that it’s a fairly “low gear” sport. In other words, you don’t need the volume of ropes and other accessories that are necessary for some forms of alpine climbing.
If you do decide to rope up on a Via Ferrata trail, split your group into no more than three people roped together. This will prevent your mobility from being decreased too much. If you’re in a group with a guide, you may find that they carry emergency ropes themselves. Always discuss any confidence concerns or nerves with your guide as they’ll be honest about what to expect.
Here are the main parts of the Via Ferrata kits that you’ll need to gather before setting out.
Via Ferrata Set
Your most vital purchase is a Via Ferrata set. This is a Y-shaped piece of gear with a short sling that attaches to your harness. The Y ends in two carabiners, which are what you clip to the cables while you climb. There are always two so that you never have to be fully unattached from the mountainside unless it’s completely safe to be so.
If you slip, the Via Ferrata set catches you. It has a built-in shock absorber or energy absorber to prevent serious injury, although you can still end up with a few bruises!
Buying a Via Ferrata set might set you back over $100 dollars, but if you buy from a reputable retailer, this could last many years. Manufacturers should provide a recommended lifetime on their gear. If you’re dusting old gear off for a revisit to some of your favorite VF trails, check that your set is still within its guideline lifetime. Replacing worn gear could save your life.
There’s also the option to rent a VF set, which you can often arrange when booking an expedition or climbing with a guide. Prices here vary, but you might be able to get a solo set for around $12 per day and a kit with a set and harness for $20. If you’re a first-timer and unsure whether you’ll enjoy the experience, renting is an ideal way to enjoy these incredible trails without shelling out big bucks.
Harness
For Via Ferrata you need a sitting harness. This harness is a standard piece of climbing gear that goes around your waist and both thighs. They’re fully adjustable for comfort and safety, and have durable loops to attach ropes and your VF set. Harnesses vary wildly in price, so if you’re buying, it’s worth going to a physical store and talking to an expert.
There’s rarely a need to purchase a full-body harness for Via Ferrata climbs. This may help you if you decide to take a backpack stocked with loads of extra kit. My recommendation? You won’t need that much heavy gear at all, and a sitting harness is ideal.
Climbing Helmet
For any climbing endeavor, you must have protective headgear. Even a tiny pebble can cause damage when it drops from a great height. You can pay anything from $45 to $150+ for a decent helmet, or rent one close to your climb for around $20 a day. If you’re going to make climbing a regular hobby, it makes sense to invest in a helmet to keep.
Clothing
Pack gloves—ropes and cables aren’t kind to your hands! Climbing boots are, of course, essential. Breathable but robust hiking boots are a good choice. The rest of your clothing largely depends on the weather. Layering is always the way for any outdoor adventure, and make sure you include a waterproof layer—just in case!
Water and Snacks
Via Ferrata routes can be long, so you’ll need a drink and a snack. Energy bars are ideal, as you can eat them with ease.
Sunscreen
It doesn’t matter how snowy the mountains are, when the sun comes out, you will get burned if you don’t use sunscreen. Top up on a strong factor before you head out and take extra with you.
First Aid Kit
If you bash yourself on a sharp bit of mountain and don’t have a Band-Aid, you might regret it. Sticking plasters in various sizes and some antiseptic gel or cream should be fine, or just a pre-made basic first aid kit from a store.
Suggested Via Ferrata Trails For Beginners
Here are some of the routes you might want to try when you’re on your global climbing travels. Outdoor adventure is a great way to see parts of the world not accessible to tourists who stick to the resorts at the base of the mountain.
Via Ferrata Dolomites
The Dolomites in Northern Italy are simply breathtaking. Their jagged silhouette dominates the skyline, so it’s no wonder so many people come here to climb and get as high as possible into this surreal yet natural landscape. Routes here combine well-worn, fairly wide walking trails with tough scrambles and plenty of Via Ferrata trails.
In fact, the Dolomites hold the prestige of having the most Via Ferrata routes in one area—around 170, in total! Not all routes are graded, but the ones that have a grade are meticulously maintained. Some of these VF trails date back to the First World War when they gave a tactical advantage to troops wanting to haul gear to strategic positions. Nowadays, the old iron cables and ladders have been replaced with much more durable steel.
There are so many easy routes in the Dolomites, but one to try is Via Ferrata Passo Santner. This will only take around three hours, max, and has a clearly marked starting point by the Laurin Chairlift.
Via Ferrata Bavaria
It should come as no surprise that in Bavaria, you’ll mostly see these types of routes labeled as Klettersteig. This area is a top destination for VF enthusiasts thanks to the opportunity to climb with relative ease to views that are out of this world. The Schützensteig route on the Kleiner Jenner Klettersteig is one such climb, rated A/B and suitable for groups with children.
Via Ferrata Skalka
Skalka boasts the longest cable bridge in Slovakia at 79 meters long, and has routes of all difficulties. Beginners can opt for Trubačova Veža which is rated B difficulty and takes climbers up to awe-inspiring views of the surrounding countryside.
There you have it! Now you know everything you need to hit your first Via Ferrata trail. Are you ready to start your VF adventures?
