This summer, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is planning on offering visitors "rock climbing without the risk". The system is known as "via ferrata". A steel cable runs the length of each rock climbing route allowing the climber, who is equipped with a helmet and harness with two safety lines, to ascend the face by clipping and unclipping to remain attached to the cable by at least one safety line at all times.
This system will allow inexperienced climbers to "get the experience without the risk," explained Jessica Milligan, chief of product, sales and service for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The routes are being reviewed by the U.S. Forest Service, which administers the property.
Systems such as these are quite common throughout Europe. During World War I networks of via ferrata, Italian for "iron way," were installed in the Italian Dolomites and Austrian Tyrol, as soldiers for both sides affixed cables, ladders and bridges to the rock, eliminating the need for full climbing equipment.
Other locations that are using via ferrata routes include Whistler-Blackcomb in British Columbia and Waterfall Canyon in Ogden, Utah.
woodchuck07 says:
Waited a week, and I'm still first to comment! I don't think many of us are into 'via ferrata' here, or we'd be selling off all our gear.
Dr. Goodwack says:
There are still risks...100'+ ground fall in 2006, resulting in fatality, Nelson Rocks WV.
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