VERTICAL ADVENTURE

PLANNING AND PREPARATION

Via ferratas are located on natural rock and are - unlike free climbing routes - secured with a steel cable and artificial handholds and steps from start to finish. So far so good. However, intensive planning and preparatory work is required before such a via ferrata is accessible, as Ewald Holzknecht explains: ‘The idea for the Eckkamm via ferrata was brought to us several years ago. After several inspections, various expert reports and nature conservation checks, we were finally able to carry out the first rough route planning in spring 2024 using drone footage.’ Once the plan had been approved by the authorities and all guidelines had been defined, implementation began in early May 2024.

‘In total, six men drilled over 1,000 holes and installed 470 metres of rope in 1,400 hours of work. The steeper wall passages in the via ferrata were stabilised with a total of 450 climbing aids.’ continues the professional via ferrata builder. Nothing is set in stone when it comes to via ferrata construction. Due to geological conditions, the existing forest and the nature of the terrain, the final climbing route only emerges during construction. ‘The aim is to adapt to the natural conditions and utilise existing options in order to intervene in nature as little as possible and only as much as necessary,’ is the credo for
via ferrata construction.

CHILD-FRIENDLY AND VARIED

The via ferrata was finally accessible at the end of June and was officially opened at the beginning of July. With a climbing route of 350 metres, 225 metres difference in altitude and easy levels of difficulty, the Eckkamm via ferrata is primarily aimed at beginners and families with children aged 6 and over.‘ Many cross passages, small step distances, rope bridges with special Big Foot steps and rope ladders ensure a child-friendly and varied ascent. The resting bench halfway up the route and the digital wall book are also popular with young and old alike,’ says Ewald Holzknecht, who, as a certified and authorised mountain guide, knows what's important.

However, the most special feature of the new via ferrata in Huben is the special safety system. ‘A so-called push carabiner is threaded into the system and pushed along the entire via ferrata. This additional push carabiner prevents the entire via ferrata set from being unhooked unintentionally, except in two places,’ he continues. This system, which is unique in Austria, was subjected to its own TÜV test and found to be very good. Children and beginners can therefore be double secured and enjoy twice the climbing fun, while experienced climbers can also use a conventional via ferrata set.