Climbing the Via Ferrata

OVERVIEW

This trip is designed for climbers and brave non-climbers looking for a unique and fun adventure! No climbing experience is necessary.

The trip takes place at Nelson Rocks on the VA/WVA border. Nelson Rocks is defined by two giant rock towers. Along these rock spires are bolted steel rebar steps. We will climb several hundred feet along these steel steps until we reach the summit. While you climb, you are clipped into a steel cable for safety. This system is called the Via Ferrata, which is popular in the Italian Alps and Dolomites. It is only the second of its kind in the U.S.
Included in this breathtakingly exposed jaunt is a traverse of a 150 ft. tall/230 ft. long rope bridge that connects the two towers. This is one of the tallest and longest such bridges in the world and is worthy of a scene from Indiana Jones. Once we reach the end, we will descend a pleasant trail to the bottom.

This trip is a good opportunity to do what professional climbers do all the time – without their experience. Club will provide harnesses, helmets, gas $. Please visit the Nelson Rocks Home Page and view the pictures and diagrams for this trip. http://www.nelsonrocks.org

**Important safety concerns**
Although climbing the steel ladder is fairly easy, note that the Via Ferrata route is very exposed. There are only 3 places from which to exit the route. So, if you get scared, you may have to keep climbing until you reach the next exit point. Also, keep in mind you will be attached to the steel safety cable via two carabiners – you should keep at least one clipped in at all times! Please go to the Nelson Rocks home page and read the faq. (Thanks to Rick for some of the trip description.)

Everyone will go to the waitlist initially. People will be added as they sign up based on the number of drivers. If we get at least 10 people, the fee will be cheaper. I will be making reservations, so please only sign up if you can go. Email me if you have any questions.

You should bring:
-$35 cash for the Via Ferrata fee
– extra cash for pizza after we’re done (optional depending on group consensus)
-plenty of water, lunch/snacks, a small backpack to carry these things
-your own climbing harness and helmet if you have them
-regular shoes or light hiking boots (no sandals)
-camera (optional) – the views are amazing!