Known for their sometimes terrifying ascents yet surprisingly controlled risk, A Via Ferrata is a special class of “protected” climbing route, classified by its characteristic “climber aids” which include iron/metal footholds and hand holds as wells as a steel support cable running alongside the route. While all this support provides the relief of not falling to your death (when used properly), you still experience the thrill of climbing in some of the most technical scenarios. Some via Ferratas do not have footholds our handholds, just the steel cable running the route for support. This list of “Iron Road” climbs (the literal translation), will leave floored with adrenaline and wanting to go out and cross them off your list!
Low’s Peak Circuit– Low’s Peak Circuit, is located 3,776m above sea level in Kota Kinabalu, capital of Sabah, East Malaysia. This course is documented as the highest via Ferrata in the world by the Guinness book of world records. The routes tightrope like sections and suspended planks really put your meddle to the test, and will take approximately 4-6 hours to complete.
Brigata Tridentina– The Dolomites are the most popular destination for via Ferratas, and the Brigata Tridentina is without exception one of the best. Accessible and just a short distance from the parking area the Brigata Tridentina climb offers a very attractive course with ledges, a steep ascent up a tower, and several “bridge” crossings. Located in the northern Sella massif, Dolomites. The trailhead is just on the high saddle of passo Gardena. The Brigata is a very popular climb, so plan your trip accordingly; weekdays are best. There are plenty of iron rungs and the support cable runs the whole route. Be sure to check out the hut on top near a beautiful lake.
Hua Shan: Located in the Shaanxi Province of China, this climb is no joke. It is considered to be the most dangerous mountain route in the world! Before tourism necessitated wider planks and railings in the 1990s, Hua Shan was a fatal climb for many of the less experiences parties seeking the summit. This route is harrowing to say the least, and judging by the pictures, would definitely make the bucket list…the kick the bucket list! Of worthy note, Mount Hua is one of Five Sacred Taoist Mountains, which have long standing religious significance.
Michielli Strobel: Named after the famous guide who died climbing Pomagagon, a rockwall surrounding the Boite Valley, Michielli Stobel is not for the faint of heart. This trail is a popular alpine route, equipped with fixed cables and also located in the Italian Dolomites near the city of Cortina. According to climbers, the route is not as intense as other European via Ferratas, yet Michielli Strobel can be very exposed and has a few cruxes which add to its overall difficulty. With the largest drop measuring at 600m, the climb takes approximately 2.5 hours up and 1.5 down. Check it out if you want to test your abilities on a more manageable technical climb.
Canalone: Canalone is a via Ferrata also in the Italian Dolomites that attracts advanced climbers to new heights. Canalone is short approach and is short in distance, yet hosts a steep, exposed and technical climb. It is perfect for those looking to push their limits without spending all of their energy only to find themselves halfway through the loop. The trailhead for he via Ferrata Canalone is at the end of a small paved road leading up from the junctions of highways S50 and S347, not far from the town of S. Martino di Castrozza.
Telluride Via Ferrata: Born in the Alps, via Ferratas are seldom seen outside of Europe, yet the Telluride brand of outdoor craziness seems to embrace that which others shy away from. Telluride lies in a box canyon (one way in, one way out) that hosts beautiful views such as Ajax, and El Diente Peaks off on the distance. Down through town, at then end of the canyon was where Chuck Kroger, a Telluride native decided to install a via Ferrata route of his own. With the help of friends, he strung steel cables along the ledge’s more technical sections starting in 2006. Today, San Juan Outdoor School and Telluride Mountain Guides have permits to lead visitors along the via Ferrata. Costs for these tours range anywhere from $250-$300.
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