Important Safety Warning
Via Ferrata is a dangerous outdoor activity that requires both the correct safety equipment and an experienced guide. There is a real DANGER OF DEATH for anyone attempting the activity without either of these. If in any doubt, seek guidance from one of the experienced tour groups listed in the article below before commencing any activity. Users should also ensure that they have the sufficient rescue and health insurance in place to cover them in the event of any accident.
introduzione
Via ferrata has its origins in the European Alps mountains in the 19th century. The name comes from Italian, with “via” meaning “path” O “the way”, E “ferrata” meaning “iron”.
Consisting of fixed lines to help facilitate the movement of people over mountainous terrain, via ferrata routes rose to prominence during the 1st World War as a way of helping to transport troops across the Italian Alps.
Over time, the ropes that were first used have been replaced by more secure and durable metal wires and staples that are firmly secured into the rock. These routes are now used recreationally, with over 1000 via ferratas now open in the Alps alone. Their appeal comes from them being more accessible than traditional rock climbing, yet more adventurous than simply hiking.
The popularity of these via ferrata routes has also spread to the rest of Europe and the whole world beyond. Here in Spain there is a nationwide network of via ferrata locations, including several right here in the sunny Costa Blanca region. Meglio di tutto, most are completely free to use!
If you looking for more exciting activities to do with children, vedi anche il nostro migliori attività di avventura per i bambini in Costa Blanca, or our review of tree top high ropes adventures for kids.
Qui però, we are looking at the best Costa Blanca via ferrata climbing for kids.
What is via ferrata climbing?
Via ferrata climbing routes consist of a fixed cable that runs the length of the route, secured to the rock at regular intervals. Metal staples are usually also secured into the rock along the route, creating a ‘ladder’ to help users climb. Some routes also include other features, such as bridges, swings or even zip slides.
Users must ensure that they are always clipped to this metal safety line as they progress. To achieve this, you have 2 separate attachment ropes fixed to your harness. This way you can always have at least one attached, even when moving past the regular obstructions on the safety wire where it is attached to the rock. When you reach an obstruction you simply unclip one of your ropes, then reattach it onto the next stretch of wire beyond the obstruction. You then repeat this process with your second rope.
To properly understand the required technique, it is essential to be instructed by a guide or someone with extensive prior experience.
What equipment do you need for via ferrata climbing?
For via ferrata, the following equipment is essential:
- Harness: A correctly fitted harness is required to secure yourself to the safety ropes. For younger children, you should have a harness that includes shoulder straps for added safety.
- Helmet: Although you may think the risk of bumping your head is small, a helmet should always be worn to protect from falling rocks. Rocky landscapes are always unstable and even a small falling stone could cause a very serious head injury.
- Via ferrata set: A Y-shaped lanyard that consists of 2 ropes with carabiners that attach your harness to the safety wire. These are also equipped with a progressive tear shock absorber. This means that in the event of a fall, the climber will be safe and the impact of the fall will be gradually absorbed, rather than a potentially injuring sudden jerk.
In addition to the essential equipment listed above, it is also advisable to wear sensible, rugged footwear (rock climbing shoes are not required). For comfort on longer or steeper routes, some users also like to wear gloves (tight fitting with good grip), to protect their hands from rubbing on the metal staples as they climb.
When I have done Costa Blanca via ferrata climbing with my kids, we got our equipment from Decathlon, finding their range to be both good quality and good value. Not all items are typically stocked in their shops though, so you may need to order online.
Is via ferrata climbing safe?
If performed correctly, via ferrata is a very safe activity. The safety wire with regular fixing points ensures that even in the event of a fall, the furthest anyone can fall is only ever a few metres (providing you are secured correctly at all times with one of the safety lines from the via ferrata set). The shock absorber in the via ferrata set also ensures that the impact of any fall is broken with a gradual decline rather than a sudden stop.
How difficult is via ferrata climbing?
Like traditional rock climbing, via ferrata routes are graded and classified into groups of different difficulty. The terminology used varies between countries, with the standard grading system used in Spain being K1-K6. K1 is the easiest and K6 the hardest.
Anyone new to via ferrata should try to do a K1 or K2 route first to get the hang of it before attempting anything more difficult. These simpler routes can usually be completed quite easily by anyone of a reasonable fitness level.
Depending on the route, anyone with a fear of heights may find things more challenging!
How do you get back down at the end?
Once the end of the via ferrata route is reached, depending on the route, the descent is either by walking down a path that loops back to the beginning, or by abseiling back down the rock face. Sometimes both options are available, sometimes only one.
If planning to abseil down, additional equipment is required. You will need a long rope and an abseil device for each climber. It is usually much simpler to just walk back down where possible, especially if climbing with children.
Always check the directions and instructions for any route before attempting it. You need to be sure of your way back down before you set off.
Can children try via ferrata climbing?
Absolutely, yes. It is a great fun and adventurous outdoor activity for kids to try. Children should always be very closely supervised at all times. Even once they’ve got the hang of it and are able to operate their own safety lines, it is wise for an experienced adult to be checking them all the way along the route to make sure that they never mistakenly leave themselves completely unclipped.
For extra safety, it is also a good idea with children to have an extra short rope that connects them directly to the responsible adult climbing with them. That way they are not only reliant on their own safety ropes, but also on the safety ropes of the adult they are attached to, making it impossible for them to fall in any scenario.
Where can I try via ferrata climbing with a guided group?
As mentioned already, it is advisable to first try via ferrata climbing as part of a guided group. There are several operators in the Costa Blanca region that offer guided via ferrata excursions. The following two both come recommended for family adventures..
Based in Elche, Enjoy Life Adventures takes guided groups to via ferratas throughout Costa Blanca and Murcia. Trips start from €45 including equipment rental.
In alternativa, Alicante Aventura, with locations in Villajoyosa and Costa Nova, also take guided via ferrata trips to locations throughout Alicante, Murcia and Valencia. Their trips start from €42 including equipment rental.
What is the best weather for via ferrata climbing?
As with traditional rock climbing, it is much better to climb when it is dry. Rain, as well as being an annoyance, can also make the equipment more slippery and dangerous.
Equally, the middle of the day in summer should also be avoided. The climbs can often be very exposed to direct sunlight.
Ideally, you want sunny weather with moderate temperatures. Here in Costa Blanca, that tends to occur most during the months of Oct-May. We are fortunate however that our favourable weather allows for via ferrata climbing with kids just about all year round.
Best Costa Blanca Via Ferrata Climbing for Kids
There are via ferratas of all levels to suit all abilities in Costa Blanca. For the best via ferrata climbing for kids, go for the easier, beginner routes first. Two via ferrata climbs that I have done with my children are detailed below. These are both suitable for kids to try, providing they have a good head for heights!
#1 Albir
Located high on the headland to the south of the bay of Albir, near Benidorm in the north of Costa Blanca, è il via ferrata d l’Albir. Click on the link for full directions and instructions for the route. The route is graded as K1 difficulty, so is suitable for beginners.
This simple via ferrata route is just a straight climb up a cliff face. The climb gets steeper towards the top but is never overly strenuous. The cliff is around 30m high though, so high enough to worry anyone scared of heights. Anyone reaching the top is rewarded with spectacular views.
To descend, there are both abseil and walking options. I have always just walked back down with my kids – it’s an easy 15 minute walk down a dirt path back to the beginning.
#2 Redovan
Another Costa Blanca via ferrata climbing route that is suitable for children and beginners is the Via Ferrata de Redovan, near to the city of Orihuela in the south of Costa Blanca. Ancora, full details are in the link.
This impressive via ferrata route is split into 2 sections. The lower section is graded as K2, so is suitable for beginners. The upper section is K4+ and is a lot steeper. I wouldn’t recommend attempting the upper section with kids unless they are very experienced, but the lower section should be no problem.
As well as sections of climbing, this via ferrata route also includes other interesting obstacles, including wire and wooden slat bridges. It’s a great fun route to do with kids that has excellent views. From the half way point (at the top of the K2 section), it is easy to leave the climb and walk back down to the bottom.
Other Costa Blanca Via Ferrata Climbing for Kids
As well as the two climbs listed above that I have tried with my kids, there are several other fun looking via ferrata routes throughout Costa Blanca and the surrounding areas.
At Villena, there is a beginner K1/K2 route that runs past the old ruined castle. I am planning to try this route with my children next, so will report back here once we’ve conquered it.
In the far north of Costa Blanca outside the town of Gandia, there is a private via ferrata called La Falconera. Being private, this K2/K3 route unusually costs a fee to use, but does include zip line sections that look a lot of fun.
In sintesi
Via ferrata climbing is a great way to get outdoors for a fun and adventurous activity for all the family. If trying for the first time, it is always advisable to go with an organised group or with an experienced guide.
If you do manage to try via ferrata, get a taste for it, and learn the technique properly, then you may want to purchase your own eqiuipment. This gives you unlimited freedoms to then visit any of the via ferrata routes in Costa Blanca and beyond. In almost all cases these are completely free to use, making this a great activity to get into for inexpensive long term family fun.
COSÌ, why not embrace your adventurous side and give Costa Blanca via ferrata climbing with kids a go? Just remember… don’t look down!
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