Via ferratas have experienced a real boom in the last 25 years. In Austria alone, we now have almost 400 facilities. The roots of the "iron paths" - "Via Ferrata" - as via ferratas are also known, go back to the golden age of alpinism in the middle of the 19th century.
A rough, but nevertheless useful classification of the very different facilities is the division into alpine and sport via ferratas.
Alpine via ferratas
Alpine via ferratas take us into the mountains and in most cases the goal is a mountain peak. Alpine surroundings mean alpine dangers: Thunderstorms, falling weather, falling on the ascent and descent, length and time required - all factors that place particular demands on planning, equipment, our fitness and experience. The level of difficulty on alpine via ferratas is in the lower to medium range. But even here there are exceptions: So-called "Alpine sport via ferratas" combine alpine surroundings and high difficulty and therefore place the highest demands on the climbers.
The goal of an Alpine via ferrata is usually a mountain peak, photo: Alpsolut, Austrian Alpine Association
Sport via ferratas
On sport via ferratas , the mountain experience takes a back seat. It's all about the sporting and mental challenge, the "kick". Via ferratas are usually close to the valley, the ascent and descent routes are short and largely safe. Here you will find all levels of difficulty and often also special attractions such as suspension and rope bridges.
The sport via ferrata focuses on sporting and mental challenges, photo: Alpsolut, Austrian Alpine Club
How difficult is the via ferrata?
Rightly one of the most important questions. There are different scales for assessing the difficulty of via ferrata routes. The most common in the Eastern Alps is the scale developed by guidebook author Kurt Schall. The "Schall scale" has five levels and uses letters - from "A" ("easy") to "E" ("extremely difficult").
A - easy
The difficulty level "A - easy" marks the transition from a difficult mountain trail to an easy via ferrata. Large, natural footholds or iron clamps and ladders help you over steeper sections. Arm strength is not yet required. However, surefootedness and a head for heights are required, as some sections can be exposed. This level is ideal for beginners and children.
B - moderately difficult
This is the level of difficulty that we encounter most frequently. "B" means steeper rocky terrain, i.e. a high degree of exposure. The natural footholds are smaller, but vertical passages are always equipped with iron clamps. In terms of arm strength, the difference to the mountain trail becomes clear here.
B passages require a lot of arm strength, photo: Alpsolut, Austrian Alpine Club
C - difficult
Now it gets steep to very steep, the natural footholds become smaller and steel footholds can also be a little further apart, which requires climbing on the rock. Via ferratas in difficulty level C are demanding and exhausting. Mastering difficulty level "B" is a prerequisite for C via ferratas.
D - very difficult
Vertical, even overhanging terrain. Clamps and pins are often far apart, which makes it difficult to hold on to the steel cable and climb on small footholds or on friction - even in vertical rock! This requires great arm strength - especially stamina - good climbing technique and a good general level of fitness. In terms of equipment, we recommend via ferrata sets with a lanyard. The use of special climbing shoes is also an option.
On via ferratas with D passages, you have to expect vertical or even overhanging passages, photo: Alpsolut, Austrian Alpine Club
E - extremely difficult
The requirements of level D are even more demanding and we are at difficulty level "E - extremely difficult".
Overall difficulty is decisive
A, B, C, D: the length and frequency of difficult passages are decisive for the overall difficulty of a via ferrata. The more sustained, the higher the demands on climbing technique and stamina. The best practical tip is simple: from A to B, from B to C, on to D and possibly E. If you want to go further, switch from via ferrata to climbing wall.
What else should you bear in mind on the via ferrata? Take a look at the article and video "Via ferrata: everything you need to know".
