What is Via Ferrata? – Beginner's Guide
10/2024

You do a lot of hiking and mountaineering, but are tempted by the prospect of venturing out onto exposed ridges, and climbing steep walls? If the answer is yes, via ferrata climbing is the right activity for you! Via ferratas are a safe way to conquer challenging routes, and enjoy the breathtaking mountainscape from a completely new perspective. But before you throw yourself head first into your new and exciting adventure, you need to know what a via ferrata actually is, how it differs from other, traditional climbing routes, and what equipment you need.
Climbing vs. via ferrata: Differences explained
A via ferrata is a secure climbing route fitted with steel cables, ladders and other fixed protection, allowing you to explore exposed ridges and steep walls while fully secured every step of the way. Originally, via ferratas were constructed in the alps for military purposes – these days they’re a popular activity for outdoor sports enthusiasts who want to enjoy a sense of adventure and the stunning vistas from up high without needing elaborate belaying and abseiling techniques. While the main point of outdoor climbing and via ferrata is scaling rocky walls, there are some pretty significant differences between the two:
When climbing, especially sports climbing, you’ll use climbing ropes ↗, climbing harnesses ↗ and specific belaying techniques to move along naturally occurring anchors and footholds along a rocky wall. Not only are you relying on your body strength and technique, but you also need a partner for belaying.
Via ferratas, on the other hand, are secured using steel cables which are firmly attached to the rock with different spacing between them, depending on the difficulty level. Additionally, there are other “artificial” climbing aids like metal ladders, steps and pins. Footholds and holds that have been carved into the rock will also give you that little bit of extra support you need to successfully navigate your chosen via ferrata. For protection, via ferrata climbers usually use a via ferrata kit ↗.



Equipment for via ferrata – the must-haves
In order to successfully conquer a via ferrata, you’ll need the right equipment. Here’s a list of all the essentials you need:

Via ferrata kit ↗: It consists of two carabiners which are connected to the energy absorber via two elastic lanyards – keeping you safely secured throughout the climb.
Climbing harness ↗: A properly fitted climbing harness is the link between you, your via ferrata kit, and the steel cable on the via ferrata.
Climbing helmet ↗: Protects your head against rock fall and other dangers.
Gloves: Special via ferrata gloves provide much better grip and will protect your hands against abrasion caused by holding onto the steel cable.
Appropriate shoes ↗: Sturdy shoes with a lot of grip, a stiffer sole and toe caps, viz “climbing zone”, will ensure a proper foothold on rock and metal pitons.
Find out more about the right equipment for climbing in our dedicated guide to climbing gear.
How to climb a via ferrata
You should already wear your climbing ↗ during the approach if there’s a risk of rock fall. When starting your climb, you first need to attach your via ferrata kit to the steel cable, which runs all the way along your route. The kit consists of two carabiners which are connected to an energy absorber via two elastic lanyards, and is attached to your climbing harness. Then simply attach both carabiners to the cable, and slowly move forward step by step.
When you reach an anchoring which breaks the run of the cable, you need to circumnavigate it by first detaching yourself, then re-attaching yourself. To do this, you first open one of the carabiners, unclip it, and clip it onto the next section of the cable behind the anchoring. When done, repeat the same steps for the second carabiner. This ensures that you are safe at all times.
Depending on the difficulty level of the via ferrata, there may be ladders, pins and pitons to make climbing easier, and safely guide you along the way by providing plenty of holds. Always make sure your movements are slow and controlled, especially on exposed sections.Carefully place your feet, and use the strength in your legs to push yourself up. To preserve your energy levels and not feel like you’re being weighed down, avoid solely using your arms to pull yourself upward.
Things to watch out for on a via ferrata
Via ferrata isn’t particularly challenging per se, but requires a careful approach, and a lot of preparation. Whether you’re trying via ferrata for the first time or already have some experience, there are plenty of routes with various lengths and difficulty levels. One thing’s for sure: You’re all set for an unforgettable adventure!
Still, there are a couple of important rules you need to be mindful of. If you’ve never done via ferrata before, we definitely recommend taking a course – either at your local alpinism club or mountaineering school – to gain the required technical know-how, and to get acquainted with all the equipment.
Difficulty levels of via ferrata
When checking out via ferratas in a physical guide or online, you’ll quickly notice ratings that indicate the difficulty level of a route. Depending on the region you’re looking to explore, there are different rating systems in place: In Austria, Trentino, South Tyrol, Liechtenstein and Slovenia, the so-called Schall scale applies. It ranges from A (easy) to E (extremely difficult). In Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein the Hülser scale is used to indicate the level of difficulty, which ranges from K1 (easy) to K6 (extremely difficult). Here’s an overview of the two rating systems:
A / K1 (easy)
Via ferratas rated easy are usually very much like a hike. Anchoring and climbing aids, like railings or steel cables, are only fitted to exposed sections. You most likely won’t need any kinds of safety features, meaning untrained, but sure-footed hikers can easily navigate them. They are a great first introduction to via ferrata climbing, allowing you to get a feel for it without needing any technical knowledge.
B (moderately difficult) / K2 (moderate)
Moderately difficult via ferratas will take you across steep rocky terrain and are fitted with bolts, steel cables and chains for protection. A typical feature are steeper and longer ladders, a fair amount of arm strength will be required. Rope bridges will require agility and good coordination. For children and beginners, a climbing rope for additional protection is recommended.
C (difficult) / K3 (moderately difficult)
Difficult via ferratas will take you across very steep rocky terrain, usually featuring vertical sections or slight overhangs which are fitted with ladders, pins and pitons for protection. The spacing between those supports is getting wider, meaning navigating them will require a lot more strength. The routes are not suitable for kids or beginners.
D (very difficult) / K4 (difficult)
Very difficult via ferratas will take you across vertical walls, with only very limited opportunities for taking a break along the way. Typically there are only a few pins and metal pitons available, which are spaced very far apart. These via ferratas require a lot of strength and stamina, and are only suitable for seasoned climbers who’ve had training – avoid them if you're a beginner.
E (extremely difficult) / K5 (very difficult)
Extremely difficult via ferratas incorporate long passages across smooth, vertical walls, and large overhangs which can only be successfully navigated with incredible strength, technical prowess and mental strength. These routes are only suitable for highly experienced climbers with the appropriate training. Even experienced mountaineers will need climbing ropes and slings.
K6 (extremely difficult)
Via ferratas with this rating are only fitted with a steel rope. There usually are no climbing aids, and they stretch out over very steep passages, overhangs and seriously challenging sections.
Good to know
There are actually even more rating systems out there, so always make sure to check beforehand which scale is applied for the via ferrata you’ve got your eyes on. If you have questions, you can always ask representatives and members of the local alpinism club for guidance and support.
Via ferratas are an exciting opportunity to explore the mountains from a completely new and different angle. With the right equipment, careful preparation and by keeping the various difficulty levels in mind, you can safely conquer the most stunning via ferratas with confidence. Want more inspiration? For tips on equipment, clothing and more, check out what our Mammut athletes ↗ have to say.
