As we are often asked whether and how it is possible to climb a via ferrata with children, here are some questions, thoughts and tips from our mountain and ski guide Matthias Bader on how to climb a via ferrata safely with children. Matthias himself is the father of two children and gives via ferrata courses for children and families.
Questions and answers from the expert: From what age is it advisable to go on a via ferrata with children?
In principle, there is no age limit for climbing via ferratas with children. As children are very different in their development, it depends more on their motor skills, height and sporting experience. Experience has shown that a via ferrata can be done sensibly from the age of around eight to ten.
How do I go on a via ferrata with children?
The general recommendation is that children should be secured with a rope on the via ferrata. The problem with this is that if the parents have no experience, it is impossible to put this into practice. This is where a course with a state-certified mountain and ski guide can help.
Via ferrata sets are tested according to a standard. This means that they are approved for a body weight of 40 to 120 kg.
Walking via ferrata routes with children under 40 kg:
If the child still weighs less than 40 kg, the set will not release properly in the event of a fall and the impact force acting on the body will be considerably higher than for an adult. This can be life-threatening. There is no way around a rope safety device. However, this must be mastered by the parent.
Children weighing less than 40 kg should only go with a rope safety device
Climbing via ferratas with children over 40 kg:
If the motor skills for independently clipping the via ferrata carabiners are present, there is no reason why the child should not be allowed to walk independently. Always provided that the complete via ferrata equipment is used.
It is advisable to let the child climb in front of the adult, with the obligatory distance of one segmet. (This is the area of the steel cable between two attachment points).
On more difficult passages where the child may need help, the adult can also walk directly behind to prevent a fall in advance and to assist with clipping over in strenuous passages.
General tips:
Use the complete via ferrata equipment. Pay attention to the NORM and body weight! If this does not match, only go with a rope belay. You must learn and master the rope safety system.
Via ferratas are not built for children. The distance between the handholds and steps and the wire rope is not suitable for children. This means that the distance is sometimes too great for children, which makes it much more difficult for children than for adults. There are a few specially designated via ferrata routes suitable for children with a smaller distance between the holds and steps.
Via ferratas suitable for children provide fun for the whole family
Be careful not to overtax the children. To have fun on the via ferrata in the long term, start very slowly with short and easy via ferrata routes. Difficulty levels A and B are enough. Make sure you allow enough time and patience.
