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Update of your Via Ferrata website
Salut !
Well, we're way behind schedule on updating the site. But the good news is that Catherine is working on the technical aspects. As a result, the maps will be accessible again and everything should be up and running before the season is over. Brrrr.....
On the other hand, we're looking for volunteers to help us put the new via ferrata on the site and come up with new ideas. If you know how to use Joomla and want to join us, get in touch with Laurent at Redac(at)ViaFerrata.com (please note that this e-mail address is not for questions about the via, but only for helping to build the site).
Happy Via season 2023
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Beetween Heat Waves and Storms
Already in 2022, the heat and storms were virulent, particularly in the via ferrata. Today in 2023, it is look like it is no different. So we're repeating what we said last year: be careful when you climb on a via ferrata, and check the weather forecast before you go.
Take enough water, especially if the via is exposed to the sun, and bring storm clothing. Sneakers are not the right footwear for via ferrata climbing, especially if the approach terrain is dry to the bone or soggy. Don't twist an ankle because you're wearing gym slippers instead of mountain boots.
For lightning (in the sky, not the chocolate's one), watch out when you're on the via. The cabled lifeline is conductive, and lightning can sometimes fall on it. It's not every day, but it would be a shame to get caught in one.
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Recall Simond VitaLink Lanyard
Be carefeful, there is a problem with the viaferrata lanyard sold by Decathlon: the Vitalink from Simond.
The carabiner has some problems and does not close properly. As a result, there is the risk that you are no longer secured on the lifeline. This warning comes from the Bureau for Accident Prevention in Switzerland (BPA).
According to the BPA, there is a risk of falling.
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France: the Vesubie and the Roya are closed
The Alpes Maritimes, France were hit by the fiercy storm Alex. Most of the roads are closed and many villages can not be reached including Tende. It is the same concern in the Italian side. It is not a good time to go there and climb.
Regarding the Via Ferrata, we don't have information about them and if they are still practicable. To be honnest, they are not the concern of the emergency groups and the cities. As soon as we will get information, we will inform you. But you can consider that most of the via will be closed for the rest of the year.
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France: a mannequin stuck in a via ferrata
Believe it or not.
Early May, the mountain rescue team of CRS Alpes de Modane, France, had to rescue a climber blocked in the via ferrata of Lanslevillard (Savoie).
Bad or good luck! The climber turned out to be a plastic mannequin! You know, the plastic thing that allows you to visualize the clothes you are going to buy!
The very realistic mannequin, with pants, sneakers, helmet was hanging on the cable and from below, it looked like a climber stuck on the wall.
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Double check before you start
Even, if there is no more snow at the start or if everything seems to indicate that the beautiful days are coming ... all via ferrata are not yet open. Some via must be purged, cleaned and checked. Before leaving, check with the local Tourist Office.
In addition, check your equipment if the winter break has not damaged (lanyards, carabiners, helmet). Finally, start your season with a basic via, you may need to gently wake your muscles.
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Don't get stuck in the Storm
With the global warming, you have certainly noticed the storms are becoming more and more violent. In the mountain, this is more and more epic.
When you climb a via ferrata and a storm is coming, well.. this is not fun especially if lightnings pop up all over the place. There is a small chance that the lightning touches the cable, but it is still possible.
To avoid it, check the weather forecast. When you climb a via, the goals are to have fun and to come back!
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Let's climb a last one...
before winter arrives! After a very warm summer, it is the time to enjoy the automn and climb a last via ferrata in the high mountain.
It is an opportunity to stay in a Caban before they close. A suggestion?
Let's try a very nice via ferrata in the Tessin, Switzerland! I know, this is not easy to get there, but you can climb a very nice via Via Ferrata Dei Tre Signori, and then sleep in the caban for a nice picture of the sunset!