Did you know the first via ferrata goes back to 1843? Yeah, yeah, 1843? King Ferdinand I of Austria had it equipped on the Hoher Dachstein peak (Austria) to avoid dead among the adventurers who started conquering the alpine summits. Others were installed later, around the same area.

However, via ferratas first became important during World War I, when many trails were equipped in the Dolomites, in Italy, for military purposes. The Dolomites are a mountainous area in Eastern Alps, with jagged reliefs and steep rock walls which today delight alpinists and climbers. However, during WW I, the poor devils in the Italian army surely cursed every single rock. To make their lives easier, they equipped the rock walls and ravines with artificial elements –ropes, iron rungs, footbridges… Thus, they facilitated the troops’ advance and the transport of equipment through that hostile terrain. The main goal was to win the summits before the enemy, to place control points and fire batteries there. Just imagine carrying weapons, munitions and supplies through a crag, and tell me they didn’t need via ferratas!

Once they finally grew tired of quarrelling, after World War II, these equipped trails’ function became sport and leisure. Thus, they were restored to improve their safety, and new ones started to be built, especially from the 70s on. It was the time of alpine tourism.

Guided Via Ferratas with Pedratour

The good thing about a via ferrata is that it allows you to move through rock walls and crags, both vertically and horizontally, without the technique and physical condition of a climber. Still, to do a via ferrata safely, you need some specific equipment and you must know how to use it. Therefore, the best way to start is with a specialized guide and rented equipment. This spring, Pedratour invites you to discover this sport through guided via ferratas, with several organised activities of different levels. Along with our guides, you’ll get to know the via ferrata equipment and safety protocols, while enjoying the unforgettable experience of advancing through impossible rock walls discovering imposing landscapes.

Via Ferrata initiation activity

To enter the world of via ferratas, we take you on two guided via ferratas: the Canalassa Via Ferrata and the second part of the Empalomar Via Ferrata. Both are in Vallcebre, in Berguedà, an area of spectacular crags and magnificent views. The activity has a total duration of about 3 hours, but they fly by in the company of our guides –who are very nice– and while watching your feet. The only thing is you must be at least 10 years old. There’s no upper age limit, no one’s too old to enjoy this experience! The initiation activity will take place on April 2 and on May 15. You can’t miss it!

Orientation an guided via ferratas activity for children

If you are too young for the initiation activity, don’t worry. For kids above 6, we prepared an activity for children. On April 11, also in Vallcebre, our guides will take you for an orientation game and the Canalassa Via Ferrata. 4 hours of fun, no parents around! Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Canalassa Via Ferrata for children

If orientation activities are not your thing, on May 2 you can join us for the Canalassa Via Ferrata, which is fit for children above 6. A couple of hours for the youngest family members to take part in this adventure. Come enjoy it!

Medium level via ferrata: Empalomar

Did the initiation activity left you craving for more? No problem! On May 2 and May 29, our guides will be waiting for you with open arms in Vallcebre to do the whole Empalomar Via Ferrata. It’s a medium level via ferrata, be ready! The activity is fit for children over 12 and it will take about 4 hours to complete it, but it’s totally worth it! It’s great fun and the views are spectacular.

This spring, dare face the void with Pedratour!

Join us on these guided via ferratas and experience the emotion of being suspended from steep crags and vertical slopes. And with no need of knowing how to climb! We’ll provide with everything: a professional guide, the specific equipment and, on top of that, we’ll make a photographic report of the activity! Who would not want to see themselves all sweaty, wearing a helmet and a harness, and looking like an expert climber? Come on, after so many months of confinement measures, we all need to move a little and to do some active tourism. Do you fancy?