Tips for the via ferrata

UP THE MOUNTAIN ON "IRON TRACKS

Via ferratas are becoming increasingly popular. No wonder, as they offer the opportunity to venture up steep rock faces while well secured. This gives mountain enthusiasts the opportunity to reach places that are otherwise only accessible to extreme climbers or mountaineers. However, there are a few things to bear in mind to minimise the risks on a via ferrata. Incorrect preparation or unsuitable equipment can quickly lead to serious problems. We have summarised a few via ferrata tips for you so that you know what is fundamentally important.

WHAT DO I NEED FOR A VIA FERRATA TOUR?

A certain amount of equipment is required for via ferrata climbing. In addition to an appropriate via ferrata set, this also includes a climbing harness and a via ferrata helmet. Special via ferrata gloves are also recommended. And what many people don't realise: There are also special features when it comes to footwear, as not every hiking boot is automatically suitable for a tour on a via ferrata. That's why you should find out about the right footwear before your tour. The general rule here is to choose the right footwear: It should offer you sufficient stability and have a stiff sole so that you have a good foothold.

Via ferrata set
Climbing harness
Via ferrata helmet
Via ferrata gloves
Suitable footwear
Additional sling
Additional carabiner
First aid kit
Mobile phone

Via ferrata tip from a pro:
"Use a hydration system with a tube instead of a normal water bottle. It can get very hot on a rock face, especially on warm days, and hydration is then important. With the hydration system, you can take a quick sip much more often without having to take your rucksack off your back."

- Arthur | LOWA Head of Service Department

HOW DIFFICULT IS A VIA FERRATA?

Via ferratas are available in all levels of difficulty. When choosing your route, it is important that you inform yourself about the different levels of difficulty and adapt your tour to your individual ability. Never overestimate yourself and, if in doubt, choose a slightly easier tour.

Via ferratas are usually categorised according to two different scales.

Scale according to Hüsler

Here the difficulty levels are graded from K1 (easy) to K6 (more than extremely difficult).
Classification according to Schall

This categorises via ferratas from A (easy) to F (more than extremely difficult). Combinations of two letters, e.g. A/B, indicate that elements from both difficulty levels can be found in these passages.

CAN I CLIMB A VIA FERRATA ON MY OWN?

The following applies to both beginners and advanced climbers: never go on a via ferrata alone. This is particularly important if you are inexperienced. If you have never done a via ferrata before, you should never attempt your first route alone. In any case, only set off with an experienced mountain partner or a mountain guide.

Why is this so important? It's quite simple. Via ferratas are very steep and lead through rough terrain. Here you need help more often and safety plays a decisive role. Teamwork is the order of the day here. For example, if someone slips or falls, the other person can help directly and call for help. You can also check each other's equipment. For example, whether the climbing harness is correctly fastened or the helmet is closed. In this way, some mistakes can be recognised in advance.

Why is this so important? It's quite simple. Via ferratas are very steep and lead through rough terrain. Here you need help more often and safety plays a crucial role. Teamwork is the order of the day here. For example, if someone slips or falls, the other person can help directly and call for help. You can also check each other's equipment. For example, whether the climbing harness is correctly fastened or the helmet is closed. In this way, some mistakes can be recognised in advance.

Via ferrata tip from a pro:

"If you also want to take photos on the via ferrata, it's best to attach your mobile phone or camera to the shoulder strap of your rucksack or climbing harness using a cord and a small carabiner. It should be long enough to allow you to take photos without getting in the way while climbing. Also stow your mobile phone or camera in an appropriate pocket on your climbing harness or rucksack. This way, you can take a nice picture of yourself or your rope partner at any time and nothing can fall off. On the one hand, this prevents you from losing your beautiful pictures and on the other hand, it prevents electronic waste from accumulating in the mountains."

- Arthur | LOWA Head of Service Department

HOW DOES HOOKING AND UNHOOKING WORK?

Make sure that you never unhook both carabiners at the same time and keep one hand on the rope at all times. Hook onto the next rope as soon as possible. It is important to first clip the front carabiner and then the rear carabiner.

The most important via ferrata tip here is: Take your time! Because this is one of the most common mistakes when via ferrata climbing. You should always observe the following principle: Cleanliness before speed! Don't let yourself get rattled under any circumstances.

Via ferrata tip from a pro:

"In addition to the via ferrata set, use a sling with a carabiner (approx. 90cm) or a special belay sling, which may be adjustable in length. This allows you to fix yourself to the steel cable or a crampon and shake out your arms or take a photo."

- Arthur | LOWA Head of Service Department

HOW DO I OVERTAKE ON A VIA FERRATA?

When you are on a via ferrata, it is important that there is sufficient distance between you and the person in front of you. You can simply use the following rule as a guide: Only one person at a time may be travelling between two fixed points. This is to prevent you from being swept away if the person in front of you falls.

If several people are travelling at the same time on a via ferrata, clear and understandable communication is essential. Especially when overtaking, you should make it clear to the person in front of you that you want to pass them. This is a simple way to avoid unnecessary chaos.

Via ferrata tip from a pro:

"If there is too much going on at a via ferrata, it is safer and also more sensible to do the via ferrata on another day."

- Arthur | LOWA Head of Service Department