Basic Course Via Ferrata

Moderate
2 days
Group starts the via ferrata Mürren
Mountain guide points to information board at the start of the via ferrata Mürren
Group on the Mürren via ferrata on the abyss
Learn to navigate via ferratas independently
Via Ferrata Mürren and Allmenalp
2 days of intensive training theory and practice

Season:

June October

Departure Times

09:10
Meeting point Day 1: 09:10 AM Stäger Sport in Mürren (Chalet Enzian) Meeting point Day 2: 09:00 AM at the Allmenalp cable car in Kandersteg

Key info

Experienced mountain hiker
No via ferrata experience necessary
Sure-footed and not afraid of heights in rocky and pathless terrain

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone looking for the mountain beyond the postcard.

From theory to practice: Learn how to be safe on via ferratas - with practiced techniques and a good plan.

In two days, you'll learn everything you need for your own safe via ferrata trips. From learning about equipment and via ferrata specific climbing techniques to tour planning, we head directly to two of the most beautiful via ferratas in the Bernese Oberland. Discover how to save your strength, recognize dangers, and move efficiently. Theory and practice blend perfectly here.

Course details

Academy

Learning objectives

  • Be able to safely use via ferrata equipment
  • Apply techniques for efficient and energy-saving movement on via ferratas
  • Assess objective and subjective dangers
  • Learn to plan trips and read topos
  • Prepare for independent trips to moderately difficult via ferratas
  • Understand the basics of meteorology and assess dangers
  • Practice basic belaying techniques and tying knots

Assessment methods

Progress is continuously assessed

The mountain guide observes and provides feedback on the safe use of equipment and techniques. This gives you a realistic assessment of your abilities for future tours.

Certification

Certificate Basic Via Ferrata Course

Upon completion of the two-day course, participants receive a certificate. This confirms successful participation in the basic via ferrata course, but is intended as a keepsake and is not an official document.



Issued by:
Outdoor Switzerland AG

Itinerary

Meeting points
Day1
Day 1: Basics at Via Ferrata Mürren
After meeting in Mürren, we start with an introduction to via ferrata: equipment knowledge, safety precautions, and basic techniques are on the agenda. At the start of the Mürren via ferrata, we practice using the equipment, learn the safety techniques, and discuss the key movement sequences. The route leads us spectacularly along the rock face, often exposed but technically manageable. Along the way, we optimize our walking and climbing techniques, train with the via ferrata set, and address objective and subjective dangers. Upon reaching Gimmelwald, we reflect on the day and share experiences. We take the cable car back down to the valley.
Day2
Day 2: Applying What We've Learned at Via Ferrata Allmenalp
Today we continue in Kandersteg. After a brief introduction, we start the Allmenalp via ferrata – a challenging but rewarding way to practice what we've learnt. We climb up iron rungs, cross a shaky swing bridge, and a spiral ladder. We practice the techniques from the previous day and learn to use our strength efficiently. Our mountain guide provides valuable tips on route finding and shows us how to tackle difficult sections. At the exit, we discuss final questions and enjoy the view over Kandersteg. After a stop on the sunny terrace of the mountain restaurant, we head back down.

Whats included

Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Course Certificate

Not included

Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Overnight stay for the guest (must be organized by yourself)
Snacks
Technical equipment
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)

Pack list

Backpack 20-25 l

Warm, functional clothing
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Mountaineering or hiking pants
Sunhat
Gloves (ideally one thin and one thick pair)

Hiking boots or mountaineering boots

Via Ferrata set
Sling 120 cm
1 screw carabiner

Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
Thermos flask, drink bottle
GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
Snacks

Weather info

General weather info

Weather can influence any tour, and a clear decision is often only possible on the day itself. We review conditions carefully and remain within our safety limits, and bad weather alone does not mean we have to stop.

Make sure we can reach you with current contact information in case your booking changes. Silence from us means your tour is still planned or the final call is not yet made. If we need to cancel, you can rebook, choose another activity, or get a full refund.

For detailed advice on how to prepare for (and enjoy!) bad weather days in Interlaken, check out our weather blog 

Meeting points

Meeting points
Activity location

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