Basic Skills Course Via Ferrata
Via ferratas are a great way to explore the mountains in the summertime, however via-ferrata related accidents are on the rise due to the insufficient knowledge and over confidence of unprepared thrill seekers. During this 2-day course, a qualified guide will teach you about the equipment and techniques needed to safely and responsibly enjoy this unique mountain activity. The via ferratas Mürren and Allmenalp provide the perfect terrain for this fun and instructive course.
Tour Details
- Fitness Level: Moderate
- Experience Level: Advanced Beginner
No prior via ferrata experience is required, however you should be an experienced hiker. You are sure footed in rocky terrain and have no fear of heights.
- Gear check
- Via ferrata code of conduct
- Walking and "climbing" technique
- Objective and subjective dangers
- Route finding on access and descent
- Trip planning
- Weather science
Group Course (4-6 participants)
| CHF 425 per person | |
Private Course
| 1-3 people | CHF 1700 per group |
| 4-6 people | CHF 425 per person |
To book a private course please contact us:
Day 1: Basic training on the via ferrata Mürren
Meet your guide in Mürren, check your equipment and make your way to the beginning of the Mürren via ferrata. Here you will start from scratch and review all of the important information regarding via ferrata equipment and technique. This via ferrata is not particularly difficult, but some sections are very exposed. Throughout the tour you will further discuss equipment and learn important basic knot and hiking techniques. You’ll finish the tour in Gimmelwald and enjoy a panoramic view over the valley. Descend to Stechelberg and prepare for the next day.
Day 2: Via ferrata Allmenalp
Meet your guide in Kandersteg and ascend the Allmenalp via ferrata. You will use the skills learned the day before to navigate over metal pegs, across a Nepalese foot bridge, up the turntable ladder, and along many other elements. As you continue along this impressive and beautiful fixed route, your mountain guide will provide further tips for safely and efficiently completing a via ferrata. At the top you’ll recap your day and ask any final questions as you sit with your guide at the Allmenalp restaurant. Descend back to Kandersteg feeling accomplished and well prepared for your next via ferrata endeavour.
| Season | June - October |
| Departures for official tours | See "Closest Bookable Dates" |
| Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
| Meeting point | Day 1: 9:10am at the Stäger Sport in Mürren (Chalet Enzian) Day 2: 9:00am at the Allmenalp cable car station in Kandersteg |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- His or her expenses
- Course Certificate
- Your expenses
- Snacks
- Costs for cable car
- Rental equipment
- Your acccommodation
Backpack
- 20-25l
Clothing
- Warm, functional clothing
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Mountaineering or hiking pants
- Sunhat
- Gloves
Footwear
- Hiking or mountaineering boots
The basics
- 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)
Technical Equipment
- Harness
- Via Ferrata set
- Helmet
- Sling 120cm
- 1x locking carabiner
General Information for Mountaineering School
Our team is here for you. If you have any questions, please contact us or visit us in our shop in Grindelwald. We are happy to help!
OUTDOOR - Mountaineering School Grindelwald
Dorfstrasse 103
3818 Grindelwald
Switzerland
Trip status for group courses
1-2 days before your tour or course we will review the weather forecast and conditions with the mountain guide to determine if we can operate. We will contact you by phone with an update.
Minimum of participants (group tours)
As soon as the minimum number of participants is reached, we will send you a confirmation by email.
Cancellation
If we have to cancel your tour, you have the option to reschedule to a new date, or you will receive a full refund.
Equipment
Please refer to the equipment list for your tour or course. At our shop in Grindelwald, you can purchase technical equipment, mountain clothing, shoes, and backpacks. We also have technical equipment available for rent.
Clothing
Choose functional clothing that is moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Dress in layers so you can easily react to temperature changes. The range at our shop in Grindelwald is tailored to mountain tours and our expert staff are happy to advise you on the best clothing for your tour or course.
Lunch
Lunch is not included in the offer. We recommend bringing bars, dried fruits, nuts, or a sandwich. The amount you will need to drink depends on your individual needs and the length of the tour. We recommend .75 -1.5 liters of water, warm tea, isotonic drinks, or whatever you prefer. We also recommend that you hydrate enough the day before, so your body is well prepared for the tour.
Huts
A mountain hut is not a hotel. Running water is not guaranteed and electricity is not available everywhere, so it is not always possible to charge batteries or phones. If you have special dietary needs, please inform us in advance so we can make arrangements with the hut.
Safety
Our tours and courses are led by IVBV certified mountain guides or mountain guide aspirants. We prioritise your safety by requiring regular training to ensure our guides have relevant, up to date knowledge. Outdoor is certified by the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) and our safety and emergency concepts are audited by this organization annually.
General terms of contract
Our General Terms and Conditions apply.