What “is” a Via Ferrata?
“A via ferrata is the connection point between hiking and climbing” (Michele Dalla Palma)
As a matter of fact, there are different ways to approach a mountaineering excursion/climb:
Equipped Path
A hiking trail is equipped with some artificial device, usually placed only in specific -particularly exposed- points to increase safety; often no specific equipment is required to the hikers.
Via Ferrata
A route is fully –and permanently- provided with facilities and equipment fixed to the rock in order to facilitate the climb and increase safety; this equipment consist in a metallic wire anchored to the rock through specific pitons, ladders, bridges, hooks, and more in general any necessary artificial mean. Specific equipment must be used by the climber (harness, helmet, ferrata kit)
Rock/Ice Climbing
While climbing a rock or ice route, the climbers either find some anchor points already fixed in place or have to put their own. Except for artificial climbing routes, this equipment is used only for protection purposes, and the climber must bring ropes, karabiners and other specific devices for protection. In artificial climbing routes, the equipment is used also as a help to climb, and not only for personal protection.
Via Ferrata
Scales of Difficulties
Mountaineering associations have defined and adopted different scales and grading systems. Among the most known, we can list:
- Italian Scale
- Austrian Scale (Kurt Scnall)
- German Scale (Eugen Hülser)
- German Scale (Paul Werner)
- France Scale
Because of its completeness, in 2016 the UIAA Mountaineering Commission has decided to adopt the Italian scale for grading the difficulties of Via Ferrata as its international standard.
Scale of difficulties for Via Ferrata
Italian Scale
In Italy, the Italian Alpine Club – CAI, has adopted a scale based on several parameters. The main criterion refers to the overall engagement, and is given in the scale F, PD, D, TD and ED. Then, there are other parameters (in grades from 1 to 3) related to the technical engagement, the physical engagement, the exposure, and the environment.
Austrian Scale (Kurt Scnall)
The scale adopted in Austria refers to the overall engagement and is summarized in the following table.
French/German Scales
The French and the German Scales refer to the overall engagement and are shown in the following table, also with the Italian and Austrian scales for comparison.
International Scale
There is also another scale, the “international scale”, shown in the table below. This scale is not adopted by many federations.
