If you are interested in vertical activities, mountain sports and outdoor pursuits, you have probably wondered whether to try climbing or via ferrata. Although both take place on rock, they follow different approaches in terms of technique, equipment and level of difficulty.
Definition and origins of these two vertical activities
What is climbing?
Climbing involves ascending a rock face, cliff or indoor climbing wall by relying on your physical ability and technical skills. It comes in several forms, such as sport climbing, traditional climbing or bouldering. To learn more about the different types of climbing, read this full guide: The different types of climbing.
What is a via ferrata?
A via ferrata is a vertical route in a natural mountain environment, fitted with cables, ladders, suspension bridges and iron rungs to ensure safety for participants. Originally developed in the Alps for military purposes, it is now a leisure activity open to a wide audience.
Equipment required for each activity
Climbing equipment
To practise climbing safely, you will need:
- A suitable harness
- A dynamic rope
- Carabiners and a belay device
- Quickdraws to clip the rope into the anchor points
- Climbing shoes
Route grading is also essential to select a climb that matches your ability: Climbing grades.
Via ferrata kit
Via ferrata requires a complete via ferrata kit. The climber should have the following items:
- Via ferrata lanyards with energy absorber
- Climbing helmet
- Via ferrata shoes
- Pulley for some suspended sections
- Harness
- Special gloves to protect the hands on cables and ladders
Techniques and physicality
Climbing
Climbing requires a combination of both physical and mental qualities:
- Balance: good proprioception is essential to maintain stability on very small holds.
- Flexibility: being able to lift your feet high and open your hips makes moving on the rock much easier.
- Core strength and finger power to link the moves of a route, which may extend up to 30 metres.
- Self-control and the ability to manage your emotions effectively.
- Progression adapted to the style: power for bouldering, endurance for sport climbing on cliffs.
Via ferrata
Via ferrata is less technical, as the cable secures your progression. However:
- Endurance is needed on long sections. Some via ferrata routes can last half a day or more.
- Cardio fitness is required on overhanging or physically demanding section.
- Managing fear of heights and vertigo, along with correct body positioning, is essential.
Safety and risks
Climbing
In climbing, you usually progress as a pair. One climber, known as the leader, advances on the route while the other belays with a dynamic rope. Thanks to its elasticity, this rope cushions falls of several metres, reducing the risk of injury.
Falling is part of the activity: it is common for a climber to fall on a difficult move, then try the route again using a different technique or improved movement. Learning to fall safely and mastering belaying are therefore essential to progress in a secure way.
Via ferrata
In via ferrata, you move independently along the route, permanently attached to the safety cable by a lanyard with energy absorber. This lanyard is designed to reduce the impact of a potential fall. However, unlike in climbing, falling must be avoided at all costs.
- The via ferrata lanyard can only absorb a single fall. If it is used, the climber often remains hanging in mid-air until rescued.
- There is also the risk of hitting the rungs or ladders during a fall, which can cause serious injuries.
The golden rule in via ferrata: you do not fall! The equipment is designed to secure an accidental slip, but it is not intended for repeated attempts as in climbing. Focus, proper technique and caution are therefore essential at all times.
Who is it for, and when to practise?
Climbing
Climbing is aimed at those seeking a technical challenge and steady progression. It requires gradual learning:
- Safety skills, belaying and movement techniques cannot be mastered in a single day
- It may take several years to climb confidently on routes graded 5C+, 6A, 6B or 6C
- Perseverance and regular practice are essential to build strength, technique and confidence
Via ferrata
Via ferrata is far more accessible, while still offering spectacular scenery:
- Anyone without vertigo and who can climb a ladder can take part
- You simply need to follow the safety instructions and progress at your own pace, staying attached to the lifeline fixed to the rock face
- As in climbing, routes are graded, from A (easy) to E – F (Expert/Extreme)
- The higher the grade, the greater the physical demands, mental focus and overall commitment required
This accessibility makes via ferrata an excellent introduction to vertical activities, offering thrilling yet secure sensations for the wider public.
Conclusion
Climbing and via ferrata both offer unique vertical experiences. Climbing develops pure technique, strength and the ability to deal with falls, while via ferrata emphasises accessibility and safety.
For those who want a balance between safety and roped progression, there is also via corda or via cordata. This activity often follows the same routes as via ferrata, but uses fixed anchors known as pig’s tails to thread a rope and move in short-roped progression. As soon as two pig’s tails are clipped, the rope team is secured.
The risk of falling is then cushioned by a dynamic rope, as in climbing, rather than by lanyards with energy absorbers. It is an excellent alternative for those who are not completely comfortable with exposure, and a very effective way of safeguarding children who cannot use via ferrata lanyards because they are too light to correctly activate the energy absorber. Via corda does, however, require a good knowledge of rope knots and of short-roped belaying techniques.