|
If your family love to explore and enjoy walking, hiking and climbing, then perhaps you should consider one of the family activity holidays in the Dolomites which include the opportunity to try out the Via Ferrata. These Iron Paths provide an alternative way to travel across the Dolomites and reach places that would normally only be accessible to climbers. What is a Via Ferrata? Literally translated as an Iron Path, a Via Ferrata is a protected climbing route. Originally put in place to aid the Italian troops across the difficult terrain of the Alps and the Dolomites, the Via Ferrate (plural) are now used mainly by tourists and recreational climbers. It was thanks to the local residents who, after the war, began to care for the Via Ferrate, and the Club Alpino Italiano (Italian Alpine Club) who developed the routes, made more difficult options and secured the safety of the structures, that these Iron Paths are still here for our enjoyment. In simple terms, the Via Ferrata is a cable fixed to the rock every 3-10 meters along the route. Every climber wears a harness and clips themselves onto the cable for safe passage. This is a fabulous way to get the kids to places they would never be able to reach normally, and all in a safe and secure way. Cables are made from steel and the fixings into the rocks are constructed from metal bars and posts cemented in for extra security. Along the route you will come across bridges and ladders but these can be tackled without worry as everyone is clipped in and attached to the steel wire. Where to Try it Out Today, the Dolomites and the Italian Alps have excellent Via Ferrata options, but there are also routes in the Aosta Valley and in Sardinia, as well as in many other Italian regions. France has its fair share of routes too that can be found in the Haute Savoie, the Massif Centrale and the Isère region. Anyone can have a go at this activity, which is why it is often included in organised family activity holidays. You don’t need to have any climbing experience, just an enthusiasm for adventure and a love of the great outdoors. Some routes are little more than a walk, while others are much more challenging and combine vertical ascent with a requirement for some climbing skills. Via Ferrate are all graded, and this system is in place to help you choose the right route for you and your family. Depending on your fitness levels, ages, experience and time you want to spend out on the mountain, you can select an appropriate route. What Do You Need? The equipment you need should be provided by the organisers of family activity holidays. You only require a simple harness and two short lengths of rope that are attached to it. Your locking carabiners will be attached to the end of each rope so that you can clip yourself onto the steel wire. Helmets are also a necessary piece of equipment. Gloves can be useful, and lightweight shoes are a bonus. For families searching for new ideas for family activity holidays, Via Ferrata is a great option. Richard Edwards is the Managing Director of Summit & Blue, an adventure holiday company offering independently crafted family activity holidays to exciting destinations around the world, including France, Italy, Portugal, the USA and Canada. With unique itineraries and exciting activities like biking, hiking, white water rafting and canoeing, we create holidays for those looking for an experience a little more off the beaten track.
Related Articles -
Family, activity, holidays,
|
