ROCK METAL CLIMBING
VALAIS, SWITZERLAND
VIA FERRATA (PD) K2/3
PHYSICAL RATING: 1
VERTIGO RATING: 2
TECHNICAL RATING: 2
SUMMIT RATING: 3
STYLE: ALPINE > CLIMB
SATISFACTION: 3
STATISTICS
Departure Altitude: 2200m
Arrival Altitude: 2348m
Climb (or descent): 148m
Length: 300m
Time: 1 hour VF (4 hour hike)
SPECIAL FEATURES
Footbridge: 2
Monkey Bridge: 1
Ladder: 2
Zip Line: 0
Net: 0
ACCESSIBILITY
Open: June to October
Parking:
By car, park at Fafleralp car park
By rail, take train to Gampel Steg or Goppenstein, then take 591 bus to Fafleralp. There is a clearly signposted Via Ferrata route using the blue "Rock Metal Climbing" signs from the parking / bus stop.
WHAT TO KNOW!
Here is a Via Ferrata you probably have never heard of. At the end of the Lötschental valley in canton Valais is the Rock Metal Climbing route, which takes you up to Anenhütte. The course is part of a 10k hike from Fafleralp bus stop. Follow trail 182 until the time that the blue Rock metal climbing sign sends you right and you scramble along the red iron rocks.
The route is simple and really enjoyable, rated as a K2-3, B/C. At the start of the course is probably the hardest moment with a wobbly bridge and some very loose ladders. The ladders at the start are a little difficult for those with big feet especially as they cling to the rockface, but after that it is a good route up with plenty of rest points. It is a perfect route for first time Via Ferratarers to gain confidence, technique and understanding, and families as well. Total climbing time will be around 45 mins. Enjoy the amazing surroundings on the way up. Whilst you will enjoy the amazing views, for sure you will feel a little sad at how decimated and melted the glacier is.
There is a fee which is between 5-10chf.