Vias Ferratas classification

Via ferrata routes are classified and judged according to certain criteria. Accordingly, one can orientate one’s own ability.

The classification of via ferrata is from A to E

A (little difficult): easy

Terrain: flat to steep, mostly rocky or interspersed with rocks, exposed passages possible
Securing: wire ropes, chains, iron clamps (“gauging”) and occasionally short ladders; Inspection largely possible without the use of safety devices
Prerequisites: sure-footedness and freedom from giddiness recommended, office condition (depends on the length of the tour)
Equipment: Via ferrata equipment recommended. Experienced goers will also be found here without self-backup.

B (moderately difficult): easy to moderately difficult, sometimes somewhat exhausting or exhausting

Terrain: steeper rocky terrain, sometimes small kicks, with exposed areas is definitely to be expected
Securing: wire ropes, chains, iron clamps, tread pins, longer ladders (may also be vertical); Inspection without safety devices possible, but difficulties up to the 3rd degree of difficulty (UIAA) are to be expected
Prerequisites: As with A, but better condition and some strength and endurance in the arms and legs clearly beneficial
Equipment: Via ferrata equipment recommended; Inspection also possible in the rope association

C (difficult): mostly difficult and exhausting

Terrain: steep to very steep rocky terrain, mostly small kicks, longer or very frequently exposed passages
Securing: Wire ropes, iron greases, tread pins, often longer and even overhanging ladders, brackets and pins can also be further apart; in vertical sections sometimes only a wire rope; Inspection without use of the fixed safety devices possible, but difficulties are often already in the 4th degree of difficulty (UIAA)
Prerequisites: good condition, as longer climbs at this level of difficulty are already among the big via ferrata companies
Equipment: Via ferrata equipment such as B is strongly recommended, inexperienced or children may need to take a safety rope

D (very difficult): very difficult and very exhausting

Terrain: vertical, often overhanging terrain; usually very exposed
Securing: wire rope, iron clamps and tread pins (they are often far apart); on exposed and steep places often only a wire rope
Requirements: as in C, but good physical condition, enough strength in arms and hands, as longer vertical to overhanging areas can occur; even smaller climbing posts (up to the 2nd degree of difficulty) without safety devices are possible
Equipment: Via ferrata equipment compulsory, even experienced climbers can be found in the roped association; not recommended for beginners and children

E (extremely difficult): extremely difficult, because extremely exhausting

Terrain: vertical to overhanging; consistently exposed; very small kicks or friction climbing
Fuse: as D, but more often combined with climbing
Prerequisites: a lot of strength in the hands (fingers), arms and legs, a high degree of fitness, agility, over longer distances the main burden can be on the arms
Equipment: Via ferrata equipment compulsory, roped association especially for tours with places without safety devices worth considering; not recommended for beginners and children