A great adventure waiting for you...

Via Ferrata

A great adventure waiting for you.

A via ferrata (Italian for 'iron road') is a mountain route equipped with fixed cables, stemples, ladders and bridges and which are accessible to people with a wide range of climbing abilities. Whilst the easiest routes are relatively straightforward, more challenging routes are best climbed with a guide to avoid mistakes in handling the safety gear. The confidence of knowing the safety issue is taken care of leaves you to enjoy the stunning scenery and high level walkways.

A head for heights is an absolute must as some stretches of via ferrata can be very exposed, but with a guide these are conquered in perfect safety. If you've ever considered or enjoyed scrambling over rocks or tackling an adventure course via ferrata could be the perfect holiday activity for you! In the same way an adventure course has both a physical and mental component a via ferrata will be as much a test of your adaptability - it's both fun and exhilarating!

We offer two locations for our via ferrata trips: the Dolomites (Italy) and Switzerland. We've chosen classic routes that have well-maintained fixtures and provide for memorable scenery and stunning views.


	Bocchette Way Via Ferrate (Introductory)	The Via delle Bocchetta or ‘Bocchette Way’ is one of the great mountain journeys of the Alps - an epic hut-to-hut traverse of the main Brenta range taking you through some of the most spectacular rock scenery in the Dolomites. view
	Swiss Via Ferrata (Introductory)	Switzerland has a great selection of world class via ferrata routes - in total around 50 in all (with new routes being equipped every year). Based in the Swiss Valais this course tours the most famous and spectacular routes and guarantees an exhilarating week of alpine adventure. view

Skill Level Overview

Introductory

I have no previous experience mountaineering experience but I am keen to learn the basics of using crampons and an ice axe and rope work. I would enjoy ascending rocky scrambles and easy angled snow and ice. For Via Ferrata trips a head for heights and some upper body strength is useful.

Intermediate

I have undertaken some previous rocky scrambling, ice or easy alpine climbing. I am comfortable moving on rocky and snowy ridges and slopes of up to 40 degrees. I enjoy the challenge of more remote technical terrain. I would like to learn more about alpine rope work. I can improve my crampon / ice axe technique and could scramble on rock with greater efficiency.

Advanced

I have previous experience climbing alpine PD+ or harder. I am undeterred by scrambling and have done some pitched climbing on rock or ice. I have a firm grasp of the rope techniques necessary for pitched climbing and crossing glaciers. I am confident when using crampons and ice axe. I relish the thought of climbing steep rock and ice or traversing an exposed ridge covered in snow and ice. I can abseil, know how to use a prussic knot and make myself safe on basic belay stances.

Stamina Level Overview

Level 1

I have good hill walking fitness and endurance. I enjoy walking for at least 5 hours on undulating terrain at a steady pace. I can ascend 500m in height per day. This stamina level can be achieved by regular walking in the UK, cycling, jogging or swimming.

Level 2

I have good aerobic fitness and leg strength. I can trek up steep, rocky paths and ascend up to 800m in a day. I enjoy being on the hill for up to 7 hours a day, and can cope with moderate altitudes above 3000m. To prepare for this trip the best activities are those that increase your heart rate and build your aerobic levels e.g. running, cycling and swimming. For via ferrata trips a moderate amount of upper body strength would be helpful, gained ideally through scrambling or lifting light weights.

Level 3

I have excellent cardiovascular fitness and plenty of endurance to cope with several demanding days in a row. I can climb 5-6 hours most days, and on summit days up to 10-12 hours. I have enough upper body strength to pull myself up short sections of fixed rope or ladders. Endurance fitness is gained through longer training periods of walking, running, cycling and swimming. These climbs can be strenuous with the need for upper body strength gained through, gym sessions, scrambling or in/outdoor rock climbing.

Level 4

I have a supreme level of fitness and stamina. I can move confidently on technical terrain for 10-15 hours at altitude. I have a strong upper body to tackle fixed ropes, vertical rock and ice. A prolonged period of cross training would help build endurance with 3 training sessions per week of at least 2 hours including walking, running, swimming and cycling. Upper body strength is essential for pitched ice and rock climbing and this can be gained from weight training or indoor climbing walls.

Dolomites Via Ferrate	Rifugio Piz Boe	Dolomites Via Ferrate	Dolomites Via Ferrate
Eric climbing in the Dolomites	Climbing in the Dolomites	Dolomites Via Ferrate	Swiss Via Ferrate