Weekend via ferrata in the Swiss Alps for beginners

Via Ferrata is a mix between climbing and walking. Using your hands and feet you progress up and through cliffs using a fixed wire to secure you. Staples, footholds and ladders will be used along the way. You guide will provide instruction and take care of your safety, however you will be responsible for your own clipping in and out as you move along the wire. You will need a head for heights as well as some strength and fitness.

All required specialist equipment will be provided, however you are welcome to bring your own if you have it as you will be more familiar with it.

Included in the price is:

• Qualified mountain guide

• Half-board, dormitory accommodation

• Dinner and Breakfast

Excluded from the price is:

• Lunches, snacks and drinks

• Flights

• Travel insurance

• Airport transfers

• Visa (if applicable)

The Via Ferrata's generally take a couple of hours to complete with periods of hiking at the beginning and end of each route. Some sections will require a reasonable level of fitness and strength. It is more important that you have a positive attitude, head for heights and a desire for adventure. If you suffer any heart, weight or vertigo issues, this isn't the trip for you, sorry!

Your guides may extend your days with some hiking within the beautiful mountains surrounding the via ferrata.

Day 1: Dinner

Day 2: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3: Breakfast

Depending on the location of the via ferrata each day, lunch can be purchased at a café or your guide will ensure you're able to pick something up on your way to the start of the route.

Please note, drinks are NOT included except at breakfast.

Our meet point is at Martigny train station. This can be reached easily by train from Geneva Airport or alternatively, from other airports in Switzerland. The Swiss trains are well connected and easy to use.

Timetables and tickets are available from SBB.ch. They also operate a very useful app.

On Day 1 you'll be met at 18:00 at Martigny train station.

On Day 3 you'll be dropped at 15:30 at Martigny station or another nearby station on the main airport line.

Clothing - Please make sure that you have non-cotton clothing for the day.

• 1 x pair of synthetic under-top and bottom (long johns or similar)

• 2 x t-shirts

• 1 x comfortable shirt for the evening

• 2 x hiking socks

• 3 pairs of underwear

• 1 x fleece

• Light down or Primaloft jacket

• Waterproof jacket and trousers

• Hiking trousers: we recommend a pair that zip off into trousers.

• Comfortable trousers for the evening

• Sun Hat, Warm Hat and gloves

• Buff or scarf

• Swimming shorts/costume

Sleeping

• Sleeping bag liner (essential, but you can rent/ buy one from your host).

• Ear Plugs

Footwear

• Mountaineering boots/shoes: 3-season lightweight

• Lightweight shoe's for the evening

Other

• A day bag: 15-20 litres

• Travel towel

• Water bottle: At least 2L

• Sun protection: Sunglasses, suncream and sun hat

• Personal medication

• Toiletries

• Electronics - headtorch, travel adapter, phone and charger

• Hand sanitiser

• Hiking poles (available to rent for 10chf - these must be requested at least 1 week before your trip).

Documents

• Passport

• Boarding pass for flights

• Money (CHF)

• Credit/Debit Card

Specialist Equipment (provided)

Harness, Via Ferrata Lanyards, Helmet, Crampons or traction soles.

Your guide will carry other technical equipment.

You will sleep at around 400m. During the day you may go up as high as 2000m depending on the guide's choice of Via Ferrata.

You will stay in dormitory accommodation with shared bathroom/shower facilities. There is a communal area and bar. WiFi is available.

If you wish to upgrade your accommodation to a private room a request can be placed. The cost of the upgrade must be covered by yourself and paid directly to the accommodation.

Our groups are limited to 4 people and we run just a few trips each summer.

If you are a group of 4 you may request specific dates to match your travel plans. Acceptance of this will depend on the availability of our guide. It would be most helpful if you were able to provide a range of dates.

Via Ferrata's generally require an approach and return hike. The journey will likely be extended with points of interest and a café stop or two. Timings for the day are generally departure at 9:30 with the return at 16:00, leaving plenty of time to relax, have dinner and enjoy the evening with the rest of the group.

Tipping the guide is not mandatory but is often expected. There is no fixed amount for this and based on what you feel is suitable to show your appreciation. Writing a good review after the trip is also a way to support them.

There will be plenty of good photo opportunities. Due to the nature of the activity you would be advised to keep any camera equipment small in size - phones, compact cameras, GoPros etc...

The minimum age for this trip is 13 years. All under-18s must be accompanied by an adult. They need to be motivated, strong and comfortable with heights.

This is always a difficult question to answer as it depends on your own personal spending habits. You will need money for lunch, drinks and snacks. Our recommendation would be 150 - 200 CHF, however most places will accept card payments.

We have plenty of experience living and working in the mountains in all weather. Although it may not be a via ferrata we can usually find something to do. Ensure you have waterproof clothing and good footwear to maximise opportunities for adventure, whatever the weather.

For via ferrata's we operate a 1:4 ratio.

If you've never completed a via ferrata before you are guaranteed to learn a new skill! The guide will instruct you in everything you need to know for this trip. You may feel confident enough to undertake a via ferrata by yourself after the trip but always remember, employing a guide comes with the judgement of many years of experience.

You will stay in the same accommodation on both nights of this trip, so you may leave anything you don't need during the day. On the final day you can leave bags in the transport if necessary.