The classic via ferrata ("iron path") is a path secured with clamps and iron pins (as steps), steel cables and iron ladders, which can run both vertically and horizontally through a rock face. It is secured by a steel rope that runs through the most difficult passages or even continuously, to which one is permanently connected if the via ferrata set is used correctly.
Packing list
Proper equipment for the tours is a question that is very difficult to answer! It depends on the season and weather, as well as the type and duration of the tour. Basically: as little as possible, as much as necessary!
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Via ferrata scale
There are two scales for via ferrata that have now become established. The Hüsler scale and the Schall scale. They differ primarily in that Hüsler uses a verbal classification and Schall uses a letter classification. In the Schall scale, the easiest level of difficulty corresponds to the letter A or the statement "not very difficult", while the highest level of difficulty is given as E or "extremely difficult".
| SCHALL | HÜSLER | RELIEF | SECURITY | MUST BE ABLE TO | EQUIPMENT | EXAMPLES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A easy |
K1 | Flat to steep, mostly rocky or interspersed with rocks, exposed passages possible | Wire ropes, chains, iron clamps, occasional short ladders. Access possible for the most part without the use of safety equipment. | Surefootedness and head for heights recommended | Via ferrata equipment recommended. Experienced walkers can also be found without self-belts. | Vogelbergsteig Monte Vallon Bianco Dopplersteig (Salzburger Hochthron) Schober Nordwestanstieg Roßstein Brünnstein Rudl-Eller-Weg Große Tschierspitze |
|
A/B B moderately difficult |
K2 | Steep rocky terrain, partly small footholds, exposed areas | Wire ropes, chains, iron clamps, step pins, longer possibly vertical ladders. Difficulties without belaying elements up to III (UIAA). | Surefootedness and freedom from vertigo, good physical condition, some strength and endurance in arms and legs | Via ferrata equipment recommended |
A/B: B: |
|
B/C C difficult |
K3 | Steep to very steep rocky terrain, mostly small footholds, longer or very frequent exposed passages. | Wire ropes, iron cleats, step pins, longer or overhanging ladders. Clamps and pins can also be further apart. In vertical sections partly only wire rope. Difficulties without belaying elements up to IV (UIAA). | Surefootedness and freedom from vertigo, good physical condition, strength and endurance in arms and legs | Via ferrata equipment strongly recommended, inexperienced children possibly take to the rope |
B/C: C: |
|
C/D D very difficult |
K4 | Vertical, often also overhanging terrain, mostly very exposed | Wire rope, iron clamps and step pins are often far apart. In exposed and steep places often only one wire rope. | Enough strength in arms and hands, as longer vertical to overhanging passages and smaller climbs up to II /UIAA) possible. |
Via ferrata equipment mandatory, even experienced climbers can be found in the rope team. Not suitable for beginners and children! |
C/D: D: |
|
D/E E extremely difficult |
K5 | Vertical to overhanging, exposed throughout, very small footholds or friction climbing. | Wire rope, iron clamps and step pins are often far apart. In exposed and steep places often only one wire rope. Often combined with climbing. | A lot of strength in hands (fingers), arms and legs, increased level of fitness, agility. |
Via ferrata equipment obligatory, rope team association especially on tours with places without safety devices worth considering. Not suitable for beginners and children! |
D/E: E: |
|
E/F F > extremely difficult |
K6 | Primarily overhanging, exposed, very small footholds or friction climbing | Wire rope, iron clamps and step pins are often far apart. Combined with climbing. | Good climbing technique indispensable, a lot of strength in hands (fingers), arms and legs, increased level of fitness, agility. | Via ferrata equipment obligatory, top rope belay recommended. Not recommended for people who do not easily master the difficulty level E. |
E/F: F: |