Via Ferrata: Where Hiking Meets Vertical Adventure

History

Once a niche pursuit tucked away in the Alps, via ferrata is now booming across the globe. Epic routes across the United States and Canada feature a mix of vertical excitement and built-in safety systems making it a favorite among seasoned climbers as well as adventurous beginners eager to step into the vertical world.

Via ferrata originated in the Italian Dolomites during World War I, where soldiers installed iron rungs, ladders, and cables to move safely across steep alpine terrain. These early "iron paths" allowed troops to traverse exposed cliffs with a sense of security. Decades later, the same routes were repurposed for recreation. Today, via ferrata continues to evolve. 

Through the production of specialized equipment, Petzl invites modern adventurers to follow in historic footsteps to pursue the same spirit of exploration that defined the early days of via ferrata.

United States

Within the United States Via Feretta routes can be found in Colorado, Utah, California, New Mexico, Wyoming, New York, West Virginia, Ohio, Idaho, Alaska, and Kentucky. Public accessibility varies so it is essential to check with local guide services or official websites for the most accurate information on regulations regarding open public access or guide service only accessible routes on private property. 

Some of the more notable routes are as follows: 

Colorado

• Gold Mountain Expedition Via Ferrata – Ouray, CO. A guided-only route offering a more challenging experience.
• Telluride Via Ferrata – Telluride, CO. A renowned route with stunning views, accessible to experienced climbers.

California

• Mammoth Mountain Via Ferrata – Mammoth Lakes, CA.
• Features guided climbs with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada.

New York

• Mohonk Mountain House Via Ferrata – New Paltz, NY. A guided experience featuring aerial bridges and sky ladders.

Kentucky

• Red River Gorge Via Ferrata – Campton, KY. The first commercially operated via ferrata in the U.S., open from March through November.

West Virginia

• NROCKS Outdoor Adventures Via Ferrata – Circleville, WV. Features a 200-foot bridge and panoramic Appalachian views.

Canada

Established in the early 2000s, via ferrata routes in Canada are primarily located in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec. Some routes that are openly accessible to the public feature suspension bridges, waterfall features, and jaw-dropping vertical cliffs while others are only accessible via helicopter or guide service. 

Some of the more notable routes are as follows:

British Columbia

• CMH Bugaboos, Bobbie Burns, and Cariboos Via Ferratas. Heli-accessed routes including the Mount Nimbus Via Ferrata, the longest in North America.

Alberta

• Mount Stelfox Via Ferrata – Near Nordegg, AB. A public route known as "The Fox," suitable for self-guided climbers with proper equipment.

Quebec

• Les Palissades de Charlevoix Via Ferrata – St-Siméon, QC. Offers multiple guided routes with zip lines and suspension bridges.
• Parc de la Chute-Montmorency Via Ferrata – Quebec City, QC. Features routes alongside the Montmorency Falls, higher than Niagara Falls.

Why Specialized Gear Matters on the Iron Path

Using standard climbing lanyards on a via ferrata is extremely dangerous because of the high fall factors involved in this activity. 
Unlike traditional climbing, where the rope and belay system absorb most of the energy in a fall, via ferrata routes often involve falling from above the last anchor point. Meaning you're falling a longer distance on a short length of lanyard. This creates a high fall factor which can generate forces strong enough to seriously injure or even kill someone using standard climbing equipment (rock climbing personal anchor system, or slings). 

Standard climbing lanyards (like personal anchor systems or slings) are not designed to absorb that kind of impact. They’re static and can transmit the full force of the fall directly to your body, leading to injuries or gear failure.

That’s why via ferrata lanyards, like the Petzl SCORPIO EASHOOK SW, are built with energy absorbers, to reduce the shock of a fall. These energy absorbers help protect you by reducing the impact forces on your body during a fall.

Recent updates to the Petzl via ferrata line include a redesigned energy absorber that is smaller and more compact while maintaining its strength, allowing the lanyard to be less bulky and less intrusive for the climber, enhancing freedom of movement and overall comfort. Other updates include enhancements to the EASHOOK and VERTIGO connectors, making them more intuitive and easier to operate, even when wearing gloves.

SCORPIO EASHOOK SW


 

Included with the SCORPIO EASHOOK SW: Learn More

• SCORPIO lanyard featuring two elasticized arms, a new minimalist energy absorber, and a swivel.
• EASHOOK connectors are auto-locking carabiners with a dual-locking system, made specifically for via ferrata. Just squeeze to open.
• SW swivel, attached between the energy absorber and the arms of the lanyard, helps prevent tangles between the lanyard arms, keeping movement smooth and frustration-free.

SCORPIO EASHOOK

Included with the SCORPIO EASHOOK: Learn More

• SCORPIO lanyard featuring two elasticized arms, a new minimalist energy absorber.
• EASHOOK connectors are auto-locking carabiners with a dual-locking system, made specifically for via ferrata. Just squeeze to open. 
   

SCORPIO VERTIGO


 

Included with the SCORPIO VERTIGO: Learn More

• SCORPIO lanyard featuring two elasticized arms and a new minimalist energy absorber.
• VERTIGO connectors are intuitive for climbers familiar with thumb-operated connectors. Its K-type shape and bent spine are designed to perform reliably under high loads, especially on steel cables. 

KIT VIA FERRATA EASHOOK


 

Included with the KIT VIA FERRATA EASHOOK: Learn More

• BOREO helmet is lightweight, and durable. Offering excellent ventilation, a comfortable fit, and robust protection against impacts and falling debris, this helmet is ideal for every level of via feretta climbing.
• CORAX harness is versatile, lightweight, and designed for both climbing and via ferrata. Featuring adjustable leg loops, a padded waistbelt for comfort, and maximum adjustability thanks to two waist buckles, offering a customized fit for a wide range of body types and activities.
• SCORPIO EASHOOK lanyard features a newly updated, minimalist energy absorber and auto-locking carabiners with a dual-locking system that open with a simple squeeze. Without a swivel, it’s lighter, more affordable, and mechanically simpler; ideal for those who prioritize durability, weight savings, and ease of use in rugged environments.

KIT VIA FERRATA VERTIGO 

Included with the KIT VIA FERRATA VERTIGO: Learn More

• BOREO helmet is lightweight, and durable. Offering excellent ventilation, a comfortable fit, and robust protection against impacts and falling debris, this helmet is ideal for every level of via feretta climbing. 
• CORAX harness is a versatile, lightweight harness designed for both climbing and via ferrata. Featuring adjustable leg loops, a padded waist belt for comfort, and maximum adjustability thanks to two waist buckles, offering a customized fit for a wide range of body types and activities.
• SCORPIO VERTIGO lanyard features a minimalist energy absorber and, without a swivel, is lighter, more affordable, and mechanically simpler, while its VERTIGO connectors offer intuitive thumb-operated use and reliable performance under high loads on steel cables.

From the rugged cliffs of the Alps to the steep crags of the Appalachians, Petzl has been a trusted name in vertical safety for over 50 years. Born from a passion for exploration and innovation, our gear is built to help keep adventurers better protected.

Petzl Tech Tips:

Click here to discover some basic via feretta tech tips.
Download the Via Ferrata eBook here. 

Via ferrata offers an enchanting blend of accessible adventure, breathtaking views, and a unique connection to the mountains. While climbing brings inherent risks, you can improve safety by coming prepared: consult local guides, thoroughly read all technical information, and equip yourself properly before setting off on your via ferrata journey.