What does "Via Ferrata" mean?

VIA stands for "very intense adventure". "Ferrata" is Italian for "like driving a ferrari".

--- Seriously?

No, just kidding. 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 foot bridge, one of the longest such bridges in the country.

Who can climb a via ferrata?

Anyone in good health, and fit enough to handle steep, rugged trail hiking, can climb most via ferratas. The minimum age for the Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata is thirteen years old.

What equipment is used?

A standard climbing harness and helmet, and a double, shock absorbing lanyard specifically designed for via ferrata climbing. These items can be rented at NRP.

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 (sometimes) 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), the two carabiners are unclipped and clipped on the other side of the anchor, one at a time in succession, so that the climber is attached with at least one side of the lanyard at all times. On bridge crossings, the lanyards are always clipped to a safety cable overhead.

Because a fall down the safety cable to the nearest anchor point can generate dangerously high forces, the lanyard is equipped with a load limiting (shock absorbing) device. Ordinary climbing slings are unsafe and may not be used on the via.

Is the via ferrata safe?

No.

---What do you mean, no?

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 and so on. It requires alertness and careful judgment. The cable system is designed, when used properly, to prevent the climber from falling to the ground. Nevertheless, a fall from various positions on the via could result in serious injuries. It is important to realize the differences between belayed climbing on a top rope (at a climbing gym, for instance), where the rope catches you immediately if you fall, and the via system, where a fall will take you to the lowest point on the section of cable.

Other dangers include rockfall, lightning, and a variety of other uncontrollable risks.

"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?

Very! It might be one of the most intense adventure experiences you've ever had.

What should I bring?

Wear loose fitting clothing and good shoes (tennis shoes, light hiking boots etc.; no sandals). Bear in mind that it's cooler and windier up on the rocks, so bring some extra clothes. Rain showers are almost always a possibility in the mountains, so carry a light rain jacket. Gloves are generally not necessary. If it's cold, fingerless gloves work best(bike or weight-lifting gloves are good). Carry plenty of drinks and some energy snacks.

A small pack should be carried by at least one member of each group to carry water bottles and other items not in use; everyone will need their hands free to climb.

Climbers may use their own harnesses and climbing helmets, subject to NRP staff approval.

How long will the via ferrata take?

Check-in, gear rental and first-timer orientations take about 1/2 hour. 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 (more than four) or if there is heavy climber traffic ahead of you.

©2006 Nelson Rocks Preserve