Via Ferrata Vacation in Spain

This via ferrata vacation in Spain is the ultimate in via ferrata exploration. During this 5-day trip we will explore at least one via ferrata per day. Depending on your energy and desires we have the possibility to do several more. The itinerary below includes eight via ferratas in five days. If you like via ferrata's then this is the trip for you!

What is a Via Ferrata?

A via ferrata is an artificial/man-made climbing route made up of metal rungs, ladders, and cables. These components are fixed to the rock by mechanical and/or chemical means (expansion bolts and/or strong epoxy) and provide easier access to normally inaccessible regions of mountainous terrain. They were invented in the Italian Dolomites during WWI to allowed Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops access to mountain peaks and strategic high points. Today they have morphed into recreational opportunities for mountaineers and outdoor adventurers.

Via Ferrata: hiking or rock climbing?

The activity of via ferrata is somewhere between extreme hiking and rock climbing but closer to rock climbing. However, unlike rock climbing where you only use the rock to make progress, on a via ferrata you almost exclusively use the metal structures that are attached to the rock. Thus, via ferratas offer the non-rock climber a great opportunity to explore the vertical world and reach mountain summits usually by easier routes and without the need for advanced technical knowledge.

This does not suggest that via ferratas are safer or have no risk. Actually, the contrary is true. Via ferratas, just like all outdoor adventure activities in the mountains have their own level of inherent risk and the forces generated in a fall on a via ferrata are far greater than those in rock climbing due to the materials involved.

Via Ferrata in the Pyrenees

There are hundreds of via ferratas in Spain and many of the most well-known are in the Pyrenees. Several of the most difficult via ferratas are here too. However, there are via ferratas of all levels in the Pyrenees and during our five-day via ferrata vacation in Spain we will do several via ferratas in several areas.

Via ferratas in Spain are quite different compared with via ferratas in the alpine countries of Europe. Via ferratas consist of climbing iron rungs that are drilled into the wall. However, many via ferratas in Spain also have bridges, rappels, hanging ladders, and even tyrolean traverses or zip lines. These features provide key differences compared to those in the Alps.

This is a very exciting activity and it allows you to visit and enjoy some remote and interesting places that you would not likely have seen otherwise. Join us on this adventurous five-day via ferrata vacation in Spain!

Via Ferrata Rating System in Spain

There are several rating systems for grading via ferratas. In Spain, one of the most commonly used is called the Husler Rating System. It was developed by Eugen Husler from Switzerland and is recognized by the The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA). It is a simple grading system that takes into account the difficulty of the technical climbing. It ranges from K1-K6, where K1 is the lowest grade (apt for beginners) and K6 is the highest grade (apt for experts). Recently, in Spain, more precisely in the Pyrenees, there have been a few newly developed via ferratas with a proposed grade of K7. Contact us to explore these.

Via Ferrata 1

Difficulty level: K2 (see "Via Ferrata Rating System in Spain" section above for grade explanation).

The first via ferrata of the trip will be the easiest. We will start small and build up. On this fun beginner level via ferrata you will learn how to organize and manage your via ferrata gear and how to move on this unique terrain. This ferrata allows you to work on maximizing your efficiency while climbing the fixed gear. It also provides you an opportunity to learn how to move on the rock and allows you to optimize the use of your equipment on a relatively easy terrain and a well-equipped route.

Via Ferrata 2

Difficulty level: K5 (see "Via Ferrata Rating System in Spain" section above for grade explanation).

Since we are in this area, there is a neigboring via ferrata that is a few grades up in difficulty. However, it is an absolute beauty that should not be missed so we will attempt to tackle it! There may be a few challenging sections but we will take our time and maintain safety throughout the via ferrata so we can enjoy this Pyrenean classic!

Via Ferrata 3

Difficulty level: K3 (see "Via Ferrata Rating System in Spain" section above for grade explanation).

Today, we can really challenge ourselves with either another K5 level via ferrata or try possibly the hardest via ferrata in Spain which is rated K6. These two ferratas are very close to each other so we can choose one or the other. The beginning of the day provides a nice warm up as the approach to the base of the wall where these via ferratas are located will take a few hours to reach. During the hiking approach we actually arrive at another via ferrata that is rated K3. This is a fun via ferrata and a great warm up for what's to come later.

Via Ferrata 4

Difficulty level: K5 or K6 (see "Via Ferrata Rating System in Spain" section above for grade explanation).

After finishing the K3 via ferrata we continue up the canyon until reaching the base of the wall where two impressive via ferratas are located. From here we have three options: 1. do the K5 via ferrata, 2. do the K6 via ferrata, or 3. bypass the via ferratas and continue hiking for the day. Depending on how you are feeling we will make that decision in the moment when we arrive. There is no wrong decision, the area is beautiful so whatever we choose to do will be memorable.

Via Ferrata 6

Difficulty level: K4 (see "Via Ferrata Rating System in Spain" section above for grade explanation).

The first via ferrata today is one of the newer via ferratas in Spain. It's very well-equipped and has several unique features as well. Each via ferrata is different and on this one a great surprise awaits! Vertical climbing, bridges, zip lines, and a trade mark feature make this via ferrata special. A bit shorter in overall length than yesterday's via ferrata but that allows us to combine it with another via ferrata in the area.

Via Ferrata 7

Difficulty level: K4 (see "Via Ferrata Rating System in Spain" section above for grade explanation).

After lunch we will make our way to the second via ferrata today. This is another beauty! Steep vertical climbing with good protection characterizes this via ferrata. We are in the high Pyrenees and the views are amazing.

Via Ferrata 8

Difficulty level: K4 (see "Via Ferrata Rating System in Spain" section above for grade explanation).

The last via ferrata during this trip is also one of the newer via ferratas in Spain. It is also quite long and provides a wonderful day of exploration on some amazing walls. There are several large blocks and walls that are separated from each other but the via ferrata connects these with bridges. It is another unique area and a very well designed via ferrata. A great way to finish the trip!

General

Certified rock climbing guide, certified canyoning guide, certified international mountain leader guide: Spanish Mountain Guides Association (AEGM) and Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA). Native English, fluent Spanish
Planning and logistics
4 nights accommodation in a hotel or aparthotel (night 1-4) in the Spanish Pyrenees. Two people per bedroom, with either two single beds or one double bed. We will stay at two different establishments, each in a different area. Night 1-2 in one town, night 3-4 in another town. After finishing the final via ferrata on Day 5 you are free to travel on your own.
Liability Insurance during the activities
Accident Insurance during the activities
Basic First Aid Kit

Via Ferrata Material

Harness
Via Ferrata Lanyard
Helmet
Quick clip carabiner
Security rope

A positive attitude and desire to do via ferratas in the Pyrenees! This is an active vacation so be ready to move your body, feel the excitement, and visit some extraordinary places!
A medium to high level of physical and mental fitness is necessary for this trip.
Each person must be accustomed to spending extended time (6-8hr/day) in mountainous terrain.
Each participant must be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Previous via ferrata experience or rock climbing experience would be helpful.

The following is a list of personal material that each participant should bring.

General

Personal medication
Day pack (20-30L capacity backpack) to carry your personal gear, lunch, and drink.
Water bottle(s)/Camelback, etc. Minimum 1L.
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Headlamp
Appropriate clothing for outdoor adventures in the mountains. Dress in layers, like an onion. The 3-layer system is important and should definitely be utilized during our multi-day trip. Base layer: synthetic thermal clothing to wick away perspiration and keep you dry. Middle layer: fleece jacket to maintain body heat. Outer layer: waterproof/windproof shell to protect against the elements.
One pair of hiking/approach shoes with good rubber soles (i.e. Vibram).

Via Ferrata Vacation in Spain