First time via ferrata - climbing with the family

It is fresh outside, small drops of dew cling to the tips of the grass. The morning mist slowly rises like a mysterious veil and clings to the rugged peaks of the Braunwald via ferrata like a giant cotton wool ball. Joy, Manuel and their three kids set off in the direction of the Gumen mountain station. They are accompanied on their tour by mountain guide Tobi. The small group has spent the night in the Ortstockhaus nearby.

After around 40 minutes of walking through the morning silence, the six of them reach the Gumen mountain inn at around 1900 metres above sea level. Just behind it is the entrance to the beginners' and children's via ferrata. Having just unpacked their equipment, the children discover something much more exciting next to the via ferrata: «There, between the trees! Is that real?» Sure enough, two curious eyes peer out from between the large fir trees. Reinecke's fox seems trusting, creeps up to within a few metres of the group and observes the scene with a watchful eye. The cloudy morning does nothing to dampen the mood.

Over stick, stone and iron steps

The beginners' and children's via ferrata is very suitable for beginners and families with children. Nevertheless, good preparation and the right equipment for the mountain are also a must here. As it was their first time on the via ferrata, Joy and Manuel hired a mountain guide. The evening before, they discussed the weather on the mountain, difficult passages and the route on the via ferrata.

The easy via ferrata in Braunwald offers many varied passages with different levels of difficulty. This gives beginners a very varied insight into what awaits them on the large via ferrata. It is around 200 metres long. Mountain guide Tobi has checked that the via ferrata sets fit all the participants properly. The family carefully feel their way up the first few metres of their climbing tour. The children quickly lose their fear of climbing. After the first cautious steps, climbing soon becomes easier for them. Leisurely and with enough distance between them, they gain height in the first steep passage. Mountain guide Tobi and Joy additionally secure the two smaller girls with a safety rope. «Click, click» can be heard over and over again as the carabiners snap shut. Manuel and the older son bring up the rear.

First via ferrata completed!

One of the highlights is the traverse along the beautiful grain of the limestone walls, where there are iron steps and ropes along which you work your way across the rock face with small side steps. On this part of the route, you have good visual contact with the group and can cheer each other on. Once they reach the highest point, they enjoy the view and then get ready for the descent. Everyone is longing for a warm spot. Quickly back to the Gumen mountain inn, where a delicious lunch is waiting in the warm hut. The delicious cheese noodles are well deserved after this great first experience!

You can read the full report here.

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