Via Ferrata – Iron path

Have you ever heard of a via ferrata? It’s an Italian term that means „iron way“ and it’s an amazing way to explore the great outdoors! It’s an amazing mountain-climbing activity that lets you conquer a rock face or mountain using a series of fixed metal rungs, ladders, and cables that are anchored to the rock. This is a great way for climbers to progress up the mountain in a safe and secure manner!

If you’re looking for a thrilling way to experience the great outdoors, look no further than via ferrata! This incredible activity is perfect for climbers of all skill levels, offering a safe and controlled way to enjoy the rush of mountain climbing. It’s also a fantastic choice for hiking and exploring enthusiasts who love exploring the great outdoors. Just make sure to take proper precautions and follow safety guidelines to ensure an amazing and safe experience. With the right preparation, you’ll be climbing to new heights in no time!

Difficulty Levels or how difficult is „difficult“?

Not all via ferratas are the same. Easy and difficult, close to the valley or alpine, an alpine via ferrata or a sporty, high-altitude scramble. Via ferratas have different levels of difficulty – but unfortunately there is no standardised rating scale for via ferratas across Europe. Here in Italy it is mostly the EEA-F to EEA-E, otherwise there is also the ‘Schall’ A-F rating or the ‘Hüsler’ scale from K1-K6

easy – A – K1 – EEA-F: A well equipped route, minimally exposed, along with  structures such as cables and/or chains to improve and facilitate self-securing as well as progression

moderately difficult – B – K2 – EEA-PD: a more complex route featuring gullies and chimneys, vertical passages and exposed sections. Typically equipped with cables or chains and various metal fixtures such as ladders or rungs.

difficult – C – K3 – EEA-D: a consistently vertical, very complex route with long exposed sections. Equipped with metal ropes or chains and various metal fixtures that require significant physical effort, only minimally aided by the presence of support fixtures.

very difficult – D – K4 – EEA-MD: a route on very steep and complex rocks, without reliable footholds, requiring the overcocoming of overhanging sections. Equipped with metal ropes or chains and only occasionally with artificial steps or rungs, making it steep to have considerable strength and physical endurance in any case.

extreme difficult – E – K5 – EEA-E: An extremely difficult, vertical and overhanging route, primarly equipped with only fixed ropes or chains. Existing foothold are exclusively natural and there are very few fixed rungs or steps. A lot of physical strength, especially in the arms, is necessary and without good climbing technique, the ascent could be exeptionally challenging

> extreme difficult – F – K6: exclusively for very well experienced climbers!

The most important Vie Ferrate at Lake Garda

name of tourdifficultydeparture pointduration of tour best time of the yeardifference in altitude
Via AmiciziaC – K3 – EEA-DRiva del Garda6 hours totalall year round1.200 m
Susatti – Cima CapiB – K2 – EEA-PDBiacesa (Lake Ledro)6 hours totalall year round900 m
delle Laste – Cima RoccaA – K1 – EEA-FBiacesa4 hours totalall year round670 m
Monte ColodriB – K2 – EEA-PDArco2 hours totalall year round270 m
Sentiero AngloneA – K1 – EEA-FCeniga4 hours totalall year round460 m
Rio SallagoniC – K3 – EEA-DDrena2 hours totalall year round190 m
Che GuevaraC – K3 – EEA-DPietramurata8 hours totalspring and autumn1.500 m
Rino PisettaE – K5 – EEA-ESarche5 hours totalspring and autumn800 m
Monte AlbanoC – K3 – EEA-DMori3 hours totalall year round420 m
Signora delle acqueC – K3 – EEA-DBallinl3 hours totalapril – november300 m

Via Ferrata – safety tips

  1. Choose the route based on your actual psycho-physical preparation, technical ability and experience. Always assess the crowd, the weather, the condition of the fixed equipment and the route. The final decision and responsibility for the suitability of the route rests entirely with the person choosing to undertake it. If you are unsure, seek information or rely on qualified professionals.
  2. Climb only if you are reasonably fit and in good health.
  3. Use appropriate safety equipment (helmet, harness, via ferrata kit with double self-locking karabiners and energy absorbing systems). Wear a helmet as soon as you are close to the wall in case of rock falls.
  4. Check the weather forecast and do not climb in bad weather, especially if there is a risk of thunderstorms.
  5. The risk of falling increases if there are other people on the via ferrata or if there is wind or rain.
  6. When climbing, always keep both carabiners on the safety rope and when passing anchor points, make sure that at least one carabiner is on the metal rope.
  7. Only one person should be on any length of cable between two anchor points.
  8. Always check the conditions of the route; in winter there may be snow and ice which can make progress very dangerous.
  9. Do not climb alone: if you have an accident, no one will be able to call for help.

Most important: if in doubt, hire a mountain guide for a guided Via Ferrata (such as SKYclimber)

the tour providers we highly recommend

SKYclimber – the outdoor fun specalists

SKYclimber was founded in 2003 as one of the first outdoor agencies, and we’re still as passionate as ever about showing our guests the wonderful mountain world of Lake Garda! As a family-run company, we’re proud to be one of the few providers where you can book a variety of tours, including canyoning, via ferrata, climbing, mountain bike tours or technique courses, hikes or nordic walking.

click here for futher info…

SKYclimber booking links

  • Sentiero "Colodri"
    € 66,- per Person
  • Sentiero attrezzato "Campione"
    € 66,- per Person
  • Via Ferrata "Rio Sallagoni"
    € 66,- per Person
  • Via Ferrata "Cima Capi"
    € 88,- per person
  • Via Ferrata "Cascata"
    € 99,- per person
  • Via Ferrata "Monte Albano"
    € 99,- per person
  • Sentiero alpinistico "Via Bandito"
    € 111,- per person
  • Via Ferrata "Rino Pisetta"
    € 111,- per person
  • Via Ferrata "Via Amicizia"
    € 122,- per person

other tour providers

 

general info about Vie Ferrate in Trentino