SAFETY on the via ferrata

Planning is the key to safe and enjoyable climbs. Make sure you find out exactly what the difficulty and length are, as well as the approach and descent routes, and the weather and conditions. Detailed descriptions with topos are available for all via ferratas in guidebooks or online. The difficulty rating is particularly important when planning, especially as ‘getting stuck’ due to exhaustion is the most common emergency on via ferratas. Therefore, focus not only on the grade of individual sections but also on how sustained the difficulties are and, consequently, the overall demands of the route.

This checklist will help you gather all the relevant information for your via ferrata tour:

Choosing routes that are too difficult detracts from the experience and can lead to dangerous situations.

“Freezing up” due to exhaustion is the most common emergency on via ferratas! It is usually long via ferratas with lower but sustained difficulty levels that can lead to overexertion and thus to dangerous situations. An economical climbing technique using mostly extended arms, combined with good footwork, saves a huge amount of energy. Hanging one arm in the rope anchor when repositioning the via ferrata set also saves energy. Warning: Although a via ferrata set prevents a ‘total fall’, falls are still strictly forbidden, unlike in sport climbing, as a fall on a via ferrata can result in serious injury! Overestimating one’s abilities can lead to dangerous situations on a via ferrata.

Lightning strikes can be life-threatening. Rain, wet conditions and cold weather increase the risk of falling.

On hot, humid midsummer days, thunderstorms are frequently expected during the course of the day. Check the weather forecast for the likelihood of thunderstorms and ensure you return from your hike in good time. Allow for extra time and turn back in good time if you see typical signs of a thunderstorm, such as rapidly forming cumulonimbus clouds and gusty winds. Well-formed anvil clouds, electrical charges in the air and the onset of sleet showers are the most serious warning signs of an impending thunderstorm. Should you nevertheless be caught unawares by a thunderstorm, taking the right action can save your life. Under no circumstances should you be unsecured in terrain where there is a risk of falling!

A via ferrata always acts as a giant lightning conductor. A word of warning regarding the wrong reaction should a thunderstorm catch you unawares: stay connected to the wire rope! The risk of falling far outweighs the risk of being struck by lightning.

Other potential alpine hazards:
Sudden changes in weather, rain and snowfall, ice, avalanches, wind, fog > Changing weather conditions alter the terrain on a daily basis. The assessment of whether a climb is safe is solely the responsibility and discretion of each individual!

Rockfall, snow pressure and frost heave can cause damage to the via ferrata equipment. Do not use via ferrata routes that are closed.

On all via ferratas, you must be vigilant and not blindly trust every route. Often, you can gauge the overall condition simply by looking at the state of the first few metres of the via ferrata at the start. It is essential to check whether the via ferrata is officially ‘open’ or – due to maintenance work or seasonal conditions – ‘closed’. Damage to via ferratas can occur, particularly in spring. Pay particular attention to the ends of the steel cables after the last anchor point: these are sometimes loose!