The word via Ferrata is Italian and means railway . It consists of routes which often seem inaccessible to the heart of mountain . These routes are open thanks to a system of cables and other specific equipment, which you use to facilitate your progress on the course.
The via Ferrata can be horizontal, vertical, uphill or downhill.
The myth wants this practice to come from war times in Italy, whose army would have equipped the dolomites with iron arrangements and scales to facilitate the transport of equipment through the most steep passages .
It didn't take much more for lovers of mountain sports to use these facilities as part of their leisure.
- equipment for via ferrata
A helmet is essential for Practice La Via Ferrata . Indeed, the risk of injuring yourself is constant on this kind of route. Between the stone falls, the passages in cavities and others, the helmet will be an essential element in the practice of this activity.
It is therefore important to choose it well. The helmet must be in the right size, comfortable and must not handicap the view.
Then, you will need a Baudrier in accordance with European standards (with CE registration). Again, you must feel comfortable since you are going to wear it throughout the course, and it will have to adapt to the movements of your body, even in more difficult passages.
A pair of gloves is recommended, but it must leave you enough freedom of action to arm a carabiner. The gloves are however useful to protect your hands which will be subjected to many constraints, between the sockets, the cables, etc. Mountain bike gloves, for example, are quite the trick.
For Finish, the more important element : a way in dynamic rope. Choosing your Longe de Via Ferrata is a whole story. The lanyard is the small rope that connects you to the safety cable to avoid the fall. It is generally advisable to choose a Y -shaped lanyard, and have an energy absorber to avoid shocks.
The shock absorber , otherwise called shock absorber, is a small metal room that allows you to brake the fall if necessary.
Many versions of this equipment are available on the market! Do not hesitate to ask for advice from professionals if you want to buy your own equipment.
You will also need good shoes, adapted to mountain activities.
- learning
Indeed, 2 carabiners are necessary for your safety. When you change your cable or socket, you will need to change the carabiners one by one, to be always assured at least by one of the two.
All via Ferrata do not have the same level of difficulty. From the easiest to the most experienced, you will always find one suitable for your level.
This is why children can also participate, while respecting the safety instructions, and always insured with a rope.
The via Ferrata , although actible, is quite physical. Some people can run out before reaching the end. If you don't have much experience, you are advised to start with an easy route. If you go in a group, the level of via ferrata must be lower than the general level of the group.
You will be advised to take sweets, enough to eat, as well as water to regain strength during the course, and do not hesitate to leave with a confirmed guide or a Mountain specialist .
Do not hesitate to ask all your questions in our forum devoted to via ferrata, and get started in this unforgettable experience.
Below, a little overview of what awaits you!
