Overcome Fear of Heights: Epic Via Ferrata Routes for Beginners Worldwide
Climbing has exploded in popularity across the U.S. and globe. Indoor gyms dot nearly every state, the world watched in awe as Alex Honnold free-soloed El Capitan in 2017, and sport climbing debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021). It's no surprise that via ferratas—Italian for “iron paths”—are surging in appeal too.
A via ferrata is a protected climbing route that makes mountain ascents accessible to all. Equipped with a helmet and harness linked to shock-absorbing ropes via carabiners, you clip along as you ascend. Best of all: no prior climbing experience required.
Tordrillo Mountain Lodge
Alaska
While via ferratas thrive worldwide, the U.S. has fewer than 10, with Tordrillo Mountain Lodge boasting the most remote. Alaska's inaugural route is a 1,200-foot iron path tackling dramatic rock faces in the Tordrillo Mountains, delivering jaw-dropping vistas of the 28-mile Triumvirate Glacier, turquoise glacial lagoons, towering ice walls, and yawning crevasses.
Begin at 4,000 feet elevation, ascend 900 vertical feet, then traverse two vertigo-inducing suspension bridges over the ice—if you dare peek down. Completed in June, this route lies 80 miles from the nearest road, accessible only by helicopter, ensuring pristine solitude.
Return to the lodge for hot tub relaxation or spa recovery, then gear up for more: summer offers ice climbing, wake surfing, and heli-fishing; winter features heli-skiing, hiking, and sky trekking.
Natura Vive’s Skylodge Adventure Suites
Sacred Valley, Peru
Peru dazzles with rainbow mountains, Machu Picchu, and epic waves. Experience it thrillingly via a Sacred Valley via ferrata leading to cliffside glass pods 1,200 feet up—not for the faint-hearted. Ascend 1,300 feet of rugged rock, hearing only rushing water and distant trains, perhaps spotting a condor.
Indulge in gourmet dining in the pod, stargaze the Milky Way. Pods by Natura Vive use aerospace aluminum and weatherproof polycarbonate for utmost safety. Zipline down next morning to explore the valley, Cusco, and Machu Picchu.
Wildwire Wanaka
Wanaka, New Zealand
Claim 'Lord of the Rungs' at Wildwire Wanaka by via ferrata-ing the world's tallest waterfall. Conquer nine vertical sections, seven bridges, slip behind the falls, and tackle overhangs to summit Twin Falls' 1,500 feet—2,500 rungs later. Takes seven hours; helicopter return for completers.
Beginners: Go Wild or Wild Thing routes. All welcome in this Middle-earth adventure.
Kent Mountain Adventure Center
Estes Park, Colorado
Kent Mountain Adventure Center's via ferrata blends scrambling and technical climbing with stunning Rocky Mountain National Park views. First: exposed cliff traverse. Second: ridge with ladders, steps, rocks, and cables up 600 feet. Needs fitness and height tolerance.
Opt for portaledge overnight: rappel to a compact cliffside cot. Spot peregrine falcons or hummingbirds while dining amid Longs Peak (14,259 feet), Jurassic Park domes, and Mummy Range. Rappel down at dawn.
Projet Vertical
Quebec, Canada
30 minutes from Quebec City, Projet Vertical offers via ferratas and a zipline over Sainte-Anne Canyon's sheer gorge. Clip in, follow rocks to Giant's Pothole, cross monkey bridge to waterfall. Levels for beginners to experts; kids 6+ welcome.
Related content:
Braving the ‘Iron Ways:’ a beginner’s guide to climbing Italy’s via ferratas
One of Europe’s most attractive via ferratas opens in Kosovo
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