Is it possible to climb a via ferrata in winter?
Yes, it is possible to climb a via ferrata in winter, but the level of commitment required is significantly higher than in summer.
A winter via ferrata should not be considered a simple protected hike, but rather a full alpine activity, requiring experience, physical fitness, and the ability to properly assess conditions.
The first factor to consider is the approach. When snow is present, reaching the start of the route often involves a considerable physical effort. In most cases, snowshoes are required and will then be carried on the backpack during the ascent.
Essential premise
Climbing a via ferrata in winter is far more demanding than doing the same route in summer.
For this reason, it is an activity reserved for experienced alpinists, capable of moving safely in snowy and icy alpine terrain.
The difficulties encountered can vary greatly depending on several factors:
- recent temperatures and weather conditions.
- amount of snow.
- presence of ice or verglas.
- exposure of the rock face.
Even in apparently favourable conditions, the physical effort remains high.
The backpack is inevitably heavier, sections that are easy to walk in summer can become tiring, and it is often necessary to clear the steel cable from snow using a shovel and an ice axe.
In particular, on ledges and terraces, the cable is frequently completely buried.
Additional factors include:
- increased energy consumption due to cold temperatures.
- longer ascent times.
- the need for continuous decision-making during progression.
Considering all these aspects, it is clear that attempting a via ferrata in winter without adequate preparation is not recommended.
When in doubt, relying on the experience of a Mountain Guide is always the safest and most responsible choice.
Recommended equipment
In addition to appropriate winter clothing and standard via ferrata equipment, the following items should always be included in the backpack:
- spare gloves.
- snow shovel.
- ice axe.
- crampons suitable for mixed terrain.
- slings and carabiners.
- rope (at least 30 metres, depending on the route).
- snowshoes, almost always essential for the approach.
A practical example: the Sci Club 18 via ferrata on Monte Faloria
Over the years, I have climbed the Sci Club 18 via ferrata on Monte Faloria several times, always in different winter conditions. On one of the earlier winter ascents, carried out with my friend Riccardo, the route was in good condition, especially in its lower half.
On the steeper sections, snow was absent, but the presence of a thin and treacherous layer of verglas required great care. In the upper part, we were often forced to abandon the use of the steel cable, which was completely buried under accumulated snow.
This via ferrata is an excellent example of how conditions can change dramatically and how important it is to adapt both technique and strategy during a winter ascent.
Images: Sci Club 18 via ferrata in winter
The following images show the Sci Club 18 via ferrata climbed in full winter conditions.
Video: Ferrata degli Alpini on Col dei Bos in winter
he video shows a different via ferrata, but clearly illustrates the typical conditions and level of commitment required when climbing via ferratas in winter in the Dolomites.
Frequently asked questions about via ferrata in winter
No. Summer via ferrata experience is important, but not sufficient. Winter ascents require mountaineering skills: movement on snow and ice, use of ice axe and crampons, and the ability to assess alpine conditions.
It is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Winter conditions can change rapidly, and the presence of a guide significantly reduces risk.
No. In winter, the cable is often covered by snow or ice, especially on easier sections, ledges, and terraces. In some cases, it cannot be used at all.
Yes. On the same route, a winter via ferrata is far more demanding and potentially more dangerous than in summer conditions.
Related posts:
The World Ski Cup in Cortina and Ra Bujela Ferrata in Winter.
A Via Ferrata just above Cortina: the Sci Club 18.
Via ferrata in the Dolomites.