Via Ferrata/Iron Way Tutorial 05: Types and Difficulty Levels

Alpine via ferratas

On alpine via ferratas, you are out in the mountains, usually with a mountain summit as your Finishing Point. An alpine environment means Alpine Dangers: thunderstorms, sudden changes in the weather, falls during the ascent and descent, and the distance and time required. These are all factors that place particular demands on planning, equipment, fitness and experience.

The Level of Difficulty here is usually in the low to medium range. But there are exceptions to this too: so-called alpine sport via ferrata routes combine an alpine environment with high levels of difficulty – and thus present the greatest challenges.

Sport via ferrata routes

On sport climbing routes, the mountain experience takes a back seat. Here, it’s all about the physical and mental challenge – the thrill.

Sport climbing routes are usually located close to the valley; the approach and descent routes are short and largely safe. You’ll find all Levels of Difficulty and often special attractions such as suspension bridges and rope bridges.

The sound scale: from A to E

There are various scales used to assess difficulty. The one most commonly used in the Eastern Alps was devised by guidebook author Kurt Schall. The Schall scale has five levels and uses letters – from A (‘Easy’) to E (‘extremely difficult’).

• A – Easy: A transition from a difficult mountain path to a simple Via Ferrata/Iron Way. Large natural footholds or iron pitons and ladders assist on steeper sections. Arm strength is not yet required, but sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential – some sections may be exposed. Ideal for beginners and children.
• B – moderately difficult: the most common grade. Steeper rocky terrain, a high degree of exposure, smaller natural footholds. Vertical sections are always equipped with steel rungs. The difference in the arm strength required compared to a mountain path becomes clear here.
• C – difficult: steep to very steep; the natural footholds become smaller and steel rungs are further apart – climbing on the rock face is required. Challenging and physically demanding.
• D – very difficult: vertical, and in some cases overhanging, terrain. Clamps and pitons are often widely spaced; you hold onto the steel cable and climb using small footholds or friction. Requires great arm strength – particularly muscular endurance –, good climbing technique and a high level of fitness. Recommended: via ferrata set with a safety sling; special climbing shoes optional.
• E – extremely difficult: the requirements of grade D, taken to an even higher level.

The overall difficulty is the deciding factor

A, B, C, D – the overall difficulty of a Via Ferrata/Iron Way is determined by the distance and frequency of the difficult sections. The longer these sections are, the greater the demands on climbing technique and muscular endurance.

The best practical advice is simple: from A to B, from B to C, on to D and possibly E. If you want to go even further, switch from the Via Ferrata/Iron Way to the climbing wall.

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