FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does "Via Ferrata" mean?
It's Italian for "iron road" or "iron way". A Via Ferrata is basically a long climbing route with permanently fixed cables for protection. Steel rungs are used on steeper sections to keep the difficulty of the climbing moderate. Bridges, ladders, and other structures are often used.

Where does the idea come from?
Vias have been used in Europe for a century or more. The first were probably built by alpine guides to allow their clients access to more challenging mountaineering routes. During the world wars, vias were used to move troops easily through high mountain terrain, and played an important part in some mountain battles. By making the excitement, exposure and scenic beauty enjoyed by climbers accessible to many more people (and relatively inexpensive), via climbing has become a very popular sport in Europe, with hundreds of routes in existence and more being built all the time. The Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata is the first and only American-designed and built Via Ferrata in the world. It includes a 200 long, 150' high swinging footbridge, one of the longest such bridges in the country.

Who can climb the Via Ferrata?
Anyone at least 13 years of and in good health, fit enough to handle a steep, rugged trail hike can climb the Via Ferrata.

What equipment is used?
A standard climbing harness and helmet, and a shock-absorbing lanyard specifically designed for Via Ferrata climbing. These items provided for climbers at the Via Ferrata.

Can I bring my own gear?
No. We appreciate and understand the desire and preference of using your own gear, but in order to comply with our insurance policy, we require everyone who comes to experience the Via Ferrata at NRP to use the gear that is supplied by staff.

What is a Via Ferrata lanyard and how Is It used?
Attached to the harness, it is a double or "Y" lanyard with two cords running to carabiners (snap links), which are used to anchor the climber to the safety cable and occasionally to rungs along the route. As the climber moves past an anchor point on the cable (one of the bolts which attach the cable to the rock), one of the two carabiners is unclipped and clipped on the other side of the anchor, followed by the same sequence for the second carabiner, so that the climber is attached with at least one side of the lanyard at all times. On the bridge crossing, the lanyards are always clipped to an independent safety cable overhead. The lanyard is equipped with a load-limiting (shock absorbing) device to reduce the jolt to the climber in the unlikely event of a fall.

Is the Via Ferrata safe?
While we do our best to manage the risks around the Via Ferrata, it is impossible to entirely remove all risk from the activity. Via Ferrata climbing is not like an amusement park ride, where you're strapped in and your safety is guaranteed. It is potentially dangerous, not unlike skiing, boating, mountain biking, etc. It requires alertness and careful judgment. Dangers include rockfall, lightning, and a variety of other uncontrollable risks. You will receive a safety orientation when you arrive at the Via which will explain how to keep yourself safe while enjoying the Via Ferrata. All trips are guided by our professional staff.

"Real" climbers don't use the Via, do they?
Many experienced rock climbers have enjoyed climbing the Via Ferrata. It is a nice change of pace, which gives climbers a chance to leave their rope and rack in the car, and climb nonstop for a couple of hours without stopping to belay. It is also a great way for climbers to introduce non-climbing friends to the vertical world.

How scary is the via for non-climbers?
The Via Ferrata has several spots that are very high and exposed; these places are intimidating to many visitors. Our guides will work with visitors on difficult sections. If a visitor decides that they would rather not continue, they may leave the Via Ferrata using one of the exits.

How should I dress, and what should I bring on the Via?
You should dress for movement and according to the weather. The temperature tends to be about 10°F cooler in the mountains, and may be even cooler due to wind. You may wear shorts if conditions allow. You must wear close-toed shoes that you allow you to move easily (lightweight hiking shoes and running shoes are best, hiking boots are also acceptable). Please do not wear sandals of any kind, crocs or similar shoes. Some people like to wear gloves when climbing (fingerless are preferred). For colder weather, we suggest a jacket, a hat to wear under your helmet, and full-fingered gloves.

When you arrive, if you have not done so already, you will need to sign the Via Ferrata waiver If you have minors in the group who are traveling without their parents, the waiver will have to be signed by the parents in advance, and brought along.

We suggest that you bring a small daypack with you on the Via Ferrata – everyone will need his/her hands free to climb. We recommend the following items

How long will the Via Ferrata take?
The average length to do the Via is 4 hours, but it varies from 3.5 – 5 hours. Check-in, gear fitting and orientation take about 30 minutes. For first-time climbers moving at a relaxed pace, allow 3-4 hours for the climb and descent, from the time you leave your car until you return. More time will be needed for larger groups or if there is heavy climber traffic ahead of you. The total trip, from check in to hike down, may last 4.5 hours.

How much does the Via Ferrata cost?
The cost of the Via Ferrata varies depending on what day you visit. The weekday rate is $60 with the weekend and holiday rate being $65.

Do you offer an organizer’s discount?
Yes. If you are signing up a group of 10 or more, every tenth climber is free.

I have a very large group. Is this ok?
Absolutely. Please note that the maximum number of participants in any tour is 14. If you group is larger than 14 the group will be split into small groups and depart at one hour intervals.

Is the 50% Deposit Refundable?
Changes or cancellations must be made 72 hours prior to your scheduled tour in order to receive a refund of your deposit less a $25 administrative fee. Cancellations made less than 72 hours prior to you scheduled tour or “no-shows” result in a forfeit of your spot and you will not receive a refund. If we cancel your tour due to weather or other unforeseen conditions, we will reschedule your tour for another available time of refund all of your deposit.

My 11 year old is _______ (very athletic, very adventurous, big for his/her age, etc.). Can s/he go?
Sorry, but no. 13 years old is the minimum age we can take on the Via Ferrata. We can suggest several other adventures that your child might enjoy.

Do I need a guide? Couldn’t I just guide my own group or myself?
Our Via Guides have training specifically tailored to the Via Ferrata, which allows them to safely lead trips. All trips must have a Via Ferrata Guide with them.

What if I start the Via, and decide I don’t want to continue. Can I get off?
Yes. There are two escape (exit) points on the Via Ferrata, should you decide you don’t want to continue. Guests who cross the bridge are committed for the remainder of the trip as both escapes are before the bridge.

Can you rock climb at Nelson?
Yes, as long as you are guided. You should contact Lester Zook of Wild GUYde Adventures (lester@wildguyde.com; www.wildguyde.com) for booking and pricing information. Otherwise, Open climbing is not permitted at Nelson.

Can we stay at the cabins?
Yes. The price is $10 per person, per night, with a minimum payment of $30 per night. The cabins have bunk beds and a gas lamp. We do not have electricity, heat, running water, or bathrooms. Drinking water will be provided.

Can we tent camp at Nelson?
Yes. We do not have formal campgrounds, but we would be happy to prepare a space for you.

What are some other activities in the area?
There are a lot of hiking and mountain biking trails in the area. We also recommend Seneca Caverns, about 15 minutes away. We can certainly research more specific options for you, and recommend checking out our “Local Links” page on our website for more ideas and options.