Kinds of Via Ferratas, components & special attractions

What kinds of Via Ferratas you can find?

There are classical Via Ferratas, Via Ferratas for enjoyment and modern sport Via Ferratas. A lot of them are alpine or high-alpine and the goal is to reach the summit of a mountain. The exit is not far away from the summit. Alpine Via Ferratas are for more experienced mountaineers, because the ascent and descent could be very long, as long as there is no cable car in the near.

Especially in Austria there are a lot of Via Ferratas nearby valleys. They are usually not leading to a summit, but at some places there is at least a hut near the exit. There could be also various routes in different difficulties, for example the "Huterlaner Klettersteig", "Zimmereben Klettersteig" and "Pfeilspitzwand Klettersteig" in Mayrhofen. There are 2 reasons for those kinds:

1. They are a good start for beginners, because of the variety of difficulties.

2. There is enough development of tourism in (high) alpine areas.

Classical Via Ferratas

This definition is not clear. The German Alpine Club says: It is continuous assured by steel cables in not bold terrain with moderate difficulties.

In my opinion (and not only mine) it is not like that. A classical Via Ferrata can also contain not assured sections and also sections to climb in the I. or II. grade (UIAA). I agree with bold terrain, but also this can be very exposed sometimes.

Via Ferratas for enjoyment

This kind is not clearly defined. I would say, this are continuous assured Via Ferratas with moderate difficulties, where you can enjoy the panorama all of the time.

Sport Via Ferratas and Fun Via Ferratas

These are the newest kind, although the first ones were created in the 70s. They are difficult, very difficult or extreme and there are less of artificial steps. There also may appear special fun elements like a flying fox, rope bridges and shaky rope ladders (these fun elements may appear also in other kinds of Via Ferratas).

Assured steep roads

They are not a Via Ferrata. Just parts of a hiking trail are assured like a Via Ferrata.. Most of the people are using them without a Via Ferrata shock absorbing system.

Components

Steel cables

Steel cables with Anti-Shock Cones

Steel cables are the main components of a Via Ferrata. They are primary for your security. You can hook your carabiners into the steel cables. In bold terrain you can also use them as a tool to climb up.

Some steel cables do have Anti-Shock Cones at the suspension points (as shown in the picture on the right). They should avoid breaking the carabiners in case of a heavy fall.