What’s it like to go Via Ferrata-ing?
By
Leanne Hyland
Outdoor headlines
17 February 2010 10:47
Head to Arabba in the Italian Dolomites to find out what it’s like to get your hands on some real rocks.
If, like me, you want to experience the thrill of the mountains but lack the technical skills, make the Via Ferrata, a combination of fixed cables, ladders and bridges, the stepping stone to up your mountaineering skills this summer.
Having done only short treks and indoor climbing I wasn’t sure what to expect of the Via Ferrata. Fear and excitement flooded through me as best friend Alex and I took our first steps into the mountains. Plan for the week: experience the dramatic exposure and incredible views we’d heard so much about. The danger was, of course also a bonus.
Our first route was Barbara, a protected climb behind a waterfall. Guides demonstrated how to wear full body harnesses, and how to use a kisa, a device attaching us to the wire cables on the mountain. Differences from indoor climbing became apparent as we searched for handholds that were no longer placed strategically across the rock face.
Each day the climbs severity increased. By the weeks end we faced our biggest challenge, the 7500ft Michielli Strobel.
A 2 hour steep inclined walk and scramble took us to the first tie in where I immediately noticed the difference to previous climbs. The intense exposure spurred a feeling of insignificance to the mountain, but noticing the sheer drop below only spurred us on. The next few hours saw us climbing rusty ladders and scrambling over steep ridges until adrenaline flooded through me as we finally reached the summit.
I felt amazing and full of energy. A sense of accomplishment washed over me. The views were incredible, nothing but mountains surrounded us for miles.
We descended a scree gully back to the Refugio with a total time of 9 hours behind us. I couldn’t believe how far we’d climbed and couldn’t wait to get back out there.
If you want to push your limits and experience the mountains first hand like I did. Head to the Via Ferrata in the Italian Dolomites this summer and find out what you’re really made of…