Via ferratas are an exciting way to get to know the world of the vertical. Climbing via ferratas is also possible with children, provided you take a few tips to heart.
While the steep rock faces are primarily reserved for climbers, climbing a via ferrata also offers less extreme climbers an unforgettable experience.
Via ferrata is often referred to as "hiking in the vertical", but it has nothing to do with classic hiking. You have to think very carefully in advance about whether you are up to the climb or not. Breaking off in the middle or turning around is only possible in the rarest of cases.
If you do it sensibly, it is also possible to climb a via ferrata with children - adventure and challenges for the whole family are guaranteed.
Here are a few tips to bear in mind when via ferrata climbing with children:
1) The right age
As children develop very differently, the ideal age for climbing a via ferrata depends more on the child's motor skills, height and sporting experience.
Experience has shown that a via ferrata can be climbed from the age of around 8 to 10.
2) The right equipment
It is generally recommended that children should also be secured with a rope on the via ferrata. If parents have no experience with this, it is impossible to put this into practice , in which case it is advisable to take a course with a state-certified mountain and ski guide.
Equipment suitable for children is a prerequisite for safe use of the via ferrata, photo: Matthias Bader
Children must use equipment suitable for children. Climbing harness, helmet and via ferrata set must be designed for the child's size and - very importantly - weight. This is the only way to ensure that the via ferrata set releases correctly in the event of a fall and to avoid serious or even fatal injury.
3) Correctly assess the child's abilities
The point at which a child can climb via ferrata independently and without additional rope protection depends largely on the child'sphysical development, level of training and climbing experience and the sense of responsibility of the accompanying person. You should always bear in mind that a mistake in handling the equipment can be fatal.
The basic rule is: Never overtax the children!
4) Via ferrata should be fun
The ambition of the parents should not take precedence over the fun of the children. Start very slowly with easy via ferrata routes at difficulty levels A and B. Sometimes there are also special child-friendly via ferratas that are ideal for beginners.
Special practice via ferratas, which are usually relatively short and often have different passages at different levels of difficulty, are also ideal for the first few meters of vertical climbing. Perfect for testing what is feasible and what might not be.
In order to look after and accompany the children well, the parents must also feel comfortable on the via ferrata and should not be overwhelmed under any circumstances. Otherwise, it is essential to book a state-certified mountain and ski guide.
The focus should always be on having fun with children, photo: Matthias Bader
Conclusion
In principle, children are very talented climbers. With the ideal conditions, the right equipment and the right choice of via ferrata, nothing stands in the way of a via ferrata adventure with children.
You can find more details on how to behave correctly with children on a via ferrata in the article "Climbinga via ferrata safely with children".
Looking for a via ferrata? - Suggestions
Here is a selection of via ferratas that can be tackled with experienced children and parents:
Achensee: Felix & Charlotte below the Erfurter HütteAchensee: HaidachstellwandAlpine experience required, there is a practice via ferrata on the approach which is perfect for first steps on the via ferrata.Steinberge: Zahme Gams near WeißbachVery short approach, specially designed for children and with great views. Wilder Kaiser: Klamml via ferrataTwo sectors - the first easy, the second somewhat more difficult with a steep D-passage. However, there is an exciting rope bridge and two cozy places to stop for refreshments, the Gaudeamushütte and the Gruttenhütte.
You can find more via ferratas for families with children here.
These via ferratas are only suggestions. You must always decide for yourself whether it is possible to climb them with children ...
Parents must decide for themselves which via ferrata is suitable for their children, photo: Matthias Bader
Everything else you want to know about via ferratas can be found in the Austrian Alpine Club's via ferrata tutorial with its 5 themed blocks.
