Via ferrata for beginners: tips on equipment and planning

Via ferratas take you along steep cliffs. The aim is not always to reach the top. But you’ll still enjoy spectacular views and reach places usually only accessible to experienced climbers. Via ferrata routes are suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike. You just use two carabiners to attach yourself to a fixed wire cable. Then you make your way via footholds, ladders and bridges.

While you are well protected thanks to your helmet and climbing harness, the golden rule is: don’t fall! You can injure yourself by falling, even if you’re wearing a via ferrata set – for example, if you fall onto an iron climbing aid or against the cliff face. A tested via ferrata set will, of course, cushion your fall.

Via ferrata: ten tips from mountain guide Tobi

In the video, mountain guide Tobi from our partner Höhenfieber explains how to stay safe on a via ferrata. He also shows you why a thunderstorm can be very dangerous on a via ferrata. And he has some important tips for you on what else belongs in your backpack besides a first aid kit. 

Via ferrata difficulty levels in Switzerland

Beginners must also assess their ability, stamina and strength realistically. A good level of stamina is essential for all climbs. But always note the level of difficulty assigned to each climb: stopping halfway or turning around is not always possible.

Via ferrata in Switzerland are split into six difficulty levels, from K1 (easy) to K6 (extremely difficult). The levels are summarised here:

• K1 (easy): Most climbs along the terrain are signposted and have a high level of safety provision.

• K2 (moderate): You will be climbing on steep. rocky terrain at times. However, the route is well secured.

• K3 (moderately difficult): These routes have long sections of steep and exposed rocky terrain. They also contain many safety elements, however.

• K4 (difficult): The rocky terrain is steep, at times vertical. You will also encounter overhangs, but these are well secured. The route is often very exposed and the natural holds and footholds are usually small.

• K5 (very difficult): You are climbing on very difficult rocky terrain. These routes are usually very long and thus very demanding.

• K6 (extremely difficult): These via ferrata only have minimal safety elements and the terrain is rocky, ranging from steep to vertical. The tours are also long, demand a good fitness level and only suit experienced climbers.

Equipment: helmets through to first aid kits

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced climber, your head needs protection most of all. Make sure your helmet fits well. You can easily test this: put the helmet on, leave the chin straps on and shake your head. If the helmet stays firmly on your head, it fits. And of course it should be comfortable, because you will be wearing it for several hours.

The climbing harnesses are slightly different. Because unlike with standard climbing, you are not securing anyone. That’s why there is no weight pulling on the harness and you don’t need any padding. This saves weight, especially on long routes.