Key

The time and difficulty ratings in this book are subjective and approximate guidelines for experienced, physically fit and relatively fast via ferrata climbers.

Overall rating of the routes

ÙÙÙ Easy route Technically and physically relatively easy tour, with few orientational difficulties and low objective dangers such as falling rocks, loose rock, etc. The route can be stopped or shortened relatively easy if the weather changes. A good physical condition and surefootedness are basic requirements.

ÙÙÙ Moderate complexity A good sense of orientation, very good surefootedness and a very good physical condition are necessary for the ascent of these tours. Objective dangers such as snowfields, slippery terrain and the danger of falling rocks must be assessed on site. Since these routes can no longer be stopped easily in case of weather changes, a stable weather situation is a basic requirement for the route.

ÙÙÙ Complex route Only for experienced and skilled mountaineers with an excellent physical condition and absolute surefootedness. These long and difficult routes lead through remote high alpine terrain and require a strong sense for orientation. Particular attention must be paid to objective dangers such as snowfields, falling rocks, slippery terrain, etc.

Colours used for the overview photos White Primary route – hiking trail Red Primary route – via ferrata Yellow Variation – hiking trail Orange Variation – via ferrata

DIFFICULTY SCALE FOR THE VIA FERRATA (assuming optimal weather conditions)

A

B

C

D

ITALIAN SCALE F As a rule, the route runs over ledges and rocky terrain with low technical difficulty. The most exposed parts are always secured with steel cables. In addition to the secured sections, routes in exposed walking terrain must be mastered. Surefootedness and a head for heights are basic requirements ITALIAN SCALE M Steep rocky terrain of medium difficulty secured with steel cables. Vertical sections are secured with ladders, stepping pins or iron brackets. In some parts the trail can be very exposed. In addition to the secured sections, routes must be mastered in exposed walking terrain. A good physical condition, a head for heights and good surefootedness are basic requirements ITALIAN SCALE D Steep and very steep rocky terrain with difficult technical passages. Stepping pins and iron brackets are placed further apart from each other. The climb is very exposed. Apart from a good physical condition, strength and endurance both in arms and legs and excellent surefootedness are basic requirements ITALIAN SCALE MD Secured vertical and overhanging rocky terrain with very difficult technical passages and few resting points. In case there are stepping pins and iron brackets, the distances between them are large. In vertical terrain friction climbing is often required. In addition to excellent physical condition, strength and endurance both in arms and legs, complex climbing techniques and absolute surefootedness are basic requirements