Via Ferrata/Iron Way Tutorial 03: Planning a Route

Choosing a tour

Which route suits your ability? It goes without saying that you need to be aware of a Via Ferrata/Iron Way’s difficulty level. However, a more comprehensive assessment requires more information:

• How long is the Via Ferrata/Iron Way – in metres of Altitude gain and in hours?
• How sustained are the difficult sections?
• Is it exposed to the sun or north-facing?
• What is the distance and difficulty of the approach and descent?
• A Via Ferrata/Iron Way close to the valley or an alpine Via Ferrata/Iron Way high in the mountains?

Don’t worry: there are good sources of information on all Via Ferrata/Iron Ways in the Eastern Alps – in book form and online. The topography is particularly important here: on a single page, the route, difficulty ratings, rest areas and escape routes are shown schematically.

The current situation

The more alpine the route, the more important it is to check the condition of the Via Ferrata/Iron Way – for example, in early summer:

• Has the Via Ferrata/Iron Way been inspected and declared safe after the winter?
• Are there patches of old snow on the approach or descent?
• Is the rock face still wet following a spell of bad weather?
• Is there a particular risk of rockfall?

Reputable sources of information include online hiking portals, tourist information centres and mountain guide offices, as well as the local branches of the Alpine Club.

The weather

A Via Ferrata/Iron Way is also a giant lightning conductor. This explains why the weather forecast deserves such close attention – particularly the information on the likelihood of thunderstorms. Here, too, the rule applies: the higher up in the Alps you’re heading, the more important temperature and wind strength become.

The group

Via Ferratas/Iron Ways are even more fun in small groups – provided the Finishing Point is chosen so that nobody is overwhelmed, either physically or mentally.

Via Ferrata/Iron Way with children presents a particular challenge. Everything has to be just right: above all, the choice of route and the adult supervisor’s confident handling of any difficulties.

The equipment

Is the equipment complete and in working order?

• Essentials: harness, via ferrata set, helmet, gloves, suitable footwear
• Also: clothing suitable for wind and cold, sufficient fluids and food, a copy of the guidebook
• In case of emergency: smartphone and first-aid kit
• On alpine via ferratas, also: bivouac bag, head torch and hiking map

Everythingyou need to know about Via Ferrata/Iron Way at a glance:Via Ferrata/Iron Way – everything you need to know