One of the hidden gems of Europe is their extensive (and mostly free) via ferrata system. And thankfully for us here in North America, the list of options is starting to grow. To help keep up with the ever growing number of locations, and help others, I’ve put together a complete list of via ferrata – USA and Canada. The list is always growing, so if you know of a course that I don’t have listed, please let me know and I’ll get it added.
Quick Links:
What is a Via Ferrata?
Via Ferrata is Italian for “iron way” or “iron path.” These trails of steel rungs were used by soldiers during World War 1 to move soldiers through extreme mountainous terrain safely. They gained renewed interest as an outdoor hobby dating back to the 70’s in Europe. Providing a safer alternative to rock climbing.
How Safe are Via Ferrata’s?
Via ferratas can be a safe and enjoyable outdoor activity when done with proper equipment and precautions. A via ferrata is a protected climbing route equipped with fixed cables, ladders, bridges, and other aids that make it easier for people to ascend and traverse steep or rugged terrain. These routes are typically designed to be safe and accessible to a wide range of climbers, from beginners to experienced adventurers. However, safety can vary depending on several factors:
- Equipment: Use proper gear like harnesses, helmets, and via ferrata sets.
- Skill Level: Start with easy routes and progress as you gain experience.
- Weather: Check the forecast; avoid wet or icy conditions.
- Preparation: Know the route, conditions, and any closures or restrictions.
- Safety Rules: Follow rules provided by operators or authorities.
- Self-Assessment: Be honest about your abilities and health.
- Group Size: Smaller groups are often safer.
- Emergency Gear: Carry essentials and know emergency exits.
- Environment: Respect nature and local regulations.
You can read a post I did covering an extensive study on via ferrata safety here.
And here is a post on how to perform a complete via ferrata safety check.
Via Ferrata USA – A complete List
Arizona
Castle Hot Springs
Cost: $250 per person – Available for resort guests
Exposure: Medium/High
Location: 5050 N Castle Hot Springs Rd, Morristown, AZ 85342
Link: https://www.castlehotsprings.com/via-ferrata-adventure-course-2/
California
Tahoe Via
Cost: $449+ (Includes 4 climbers)
Exposure: Medium/High
Location: 1985 Squaw Valley Rd #23, Olympic Valley, CA 96146
Link: https://tahoevia.com/
Mammoth Mountain
Cost: $359 for two, $99 per extra climber
Exposure: High
Location: 10001 Minaret Rd #045, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Link: https://www.mammothmountain.com/summer-activities/adventure-center/via-ferrata
Colorado
Cave of Winds
Cost: $109
Exposure: Medium
Location: 100 Cave of the Winds Rd, Cascade, CO 80809
Link: https://caveofthewinds.com/mountain-experiences/via-ferrata/
Notes: Fully guided. Zipline is included for the price.
Royal Gorge Bridge
Cost: $135 – $165
Exposure: High
Location: 4218 Co Rd 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212
Link: https://royalgorgebridge.com/rides-attractions/via-ferrata/
Granite Via Ferrata
Cost: $99 – $129
Exposure: Medium
Location: 40671 US-24 N Buena Vista, CO 81211
Link: https://www.coloradoviaferrata.com/via-ferrata-courses/buena-vista/
Mt Evans Via Ferrata
Cost: $119 – $129
Exposure: High
Location: 431 Chicago Creek Road Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Link: https://www.coloradoviaferrata.com/via-ferrata-courses/idaho-springs/
Estes Park – Kent Mountain Adventure Center
Price: $289
Exposure: Medium
Location
Link: https://kentmountain.com/programs/via-ferrata/
Lawson Adventure Park
Cost: $341 for 2 people (2 person minimum)
Exposure: Low
Location: 3440 Alvarado Rd, Dumont, CO 80436
Link: https://lawsonadventurepark.com/summer-activities/via-ferrata/
Arapahoe Basin (Opening Soon)
Cost: $425+ for 2 people (2 Person Minimum)
Exposure: Medium
Location: 28194 US-6, Dillon, CO 80435
Link: https://www.arapahoebasin.com/summer-via-ferrata/
Notes: Highest elevation via ferrata in the USA at over 13,000ft.
Telluride Via Ferrata
Cost: Free
Exposure: Very High
Location: Telluride, CO
Link: https://www.telluridemountainclub.org/via-ferrata/
Ouray Via Ferrata
Cost: Free
Exposure: Low & Medium
Location: 735 Main St, Ouray, CO 81427
Link: https://ourayviaferrata.org/
Review: Click Here
Notes: The public Ouray Via Ferrata course has two routes. The down stream route, which is the beginner route featuring less exposure. And the Up stream route. Which is more advanced, features more exposure and the use of natural rock for hand and foot holds. The up stream route is much more difficult.
Basecamp Ouray Via Ferrata
Cost: $439 (There pricing structure on the website is a bit confusing with a guest to guide ratio)
Exposure: Medium
Location: 735 Main St, Ouray, CO 81427
Link: https://basecampouray.com/via-ferrata
Notes: This Via Ferrata is located in Ouray CO, but is different from the free Ferrata listed above. Run by Basecamp Climbing, this course requires a being driven to the course location and is not free.
Kentucky
Southeast Mountain Guides (Red River Gorge)
Cost: $52
Exposure: Medium
Location: 1617 KY-11, Campton, KY 41301
Link: https://www.southeastmountainguides.com/
Review: Click Here
Notes: This course is located in a box canyon behind the main building and offers 6 sections on increasing difficulty. There is a way to access each section at the beginning and end of each section. The way it works is your “guide” will give you an overview. And you will have access to a practice wall. You are then free to climb on your own. Doing the whole course or each section as many times as you want.
New Mexio
Toas Via Ferrata
Cost: $275
Exposure: Medium/High
Location: 116 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley, NM 87525
Link: https://www.taosskivalley.com/member/via-ferrata
Notes: The Toas Via Ferrata offers our choice of two courses, one of which features a 100ft sky bridge. They also offer sunset tour option for a higher price during the summer months.
New York
Ausable Chasm – Adventure Trail Via Ferrata
Cost: $35
Exposure: Low
Location: 2144 Route 9, Ausable Chasm, NY 12911
Link: https://www.ausablechasm.com/adventure-trail
Ohio
Quarry Trails Metro Park – Park Via Ferrata Program
Cost: Free But Reservations Are Required
Exposure: Low
Location: 2600 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
Link: Reservations Click Here
Utah
Waterfall Canyon
Cost: $110
Exposure: Medium/High
Location: 2900 Buchanan Ave, Ogden, UT 84403
Link: https://utahadventurecenter.com/via-ferrata/
Notes: Each route has a rock climbing grade and can be climbed without using man made holds. But they are there if you need them! This makes for a fun challenge.
Amangiri Adventures
Amangiri is a private luxury resort that offers multiple via ferratas for guests to enjoy. Below is a list of their current routes.
Current Routes: Studhorse Via Ferrata, Cave Peak Via Ferrata, Hoodoo Via Ferrata, Red Line Ridge Via Ferrata
Cost: Contact the Resort
Exposure: Medium/High
Location: 1 Kayenta Rd, Canyon Point, UT 84741
Resort Link: https://www.aman.com/resorts/amangiri
Via Ferrata Link: https://utahadventurecenter.com/via-ferrata/
West Virginia
NRocks
Cost:$80-$125
Exposure: Medium
Location: 141 Nelson Gap Road Circleville, WV
Link: https://www.nrocks.com/activities/via-ferrata/
Notes: These tours are all fully guided.
Wyoming
Jacksonhole
Cost: $415 up to two people, per person cost after that
Exposure: High
Location: 3395 Cody Ln, Teton Village, WY 83025
Link: https://www.jacksonhole.com/via-ferrata.html
Via Ferrata Canada – A complete List
Alberta
Mount Norquay
Cost: $200+
Exposure: High
Location: 3395 Cody Ln, Teton Village, WY 83025
Link: https://banffnorquay.com/summer/via-ferrata/
British Columbia
Bobbie Burns Lodge – Mt. Nimbus
Cost: $$$$
Exposure: Extreme
Location: Departs from Banff
Link: https://www.cmhsummer.com/bobbie-burns/
Notes: This via ferrata can only be accessed through the Bobbie Burns Lodge. This experience involves helicoptering into the location and wine after. As you can imagine. This is an expensive experience. That said, their ferrata is one of the highest, longest, and most exposed in North America.
kicking Horse Resort
Cost: $89-$185 Depending on the Route
Exposure: Medium to High
Location: 1500 Kicking Horse Trail, Golden, BC V0A 1H0, Canada
Link: https://kickinghorseresort.com/purchase/via-ferrata/
Notes: Located at the Kicking Horse Resort, this Ferrata features three different routes to choose from. Going from Medium to high exposer. With different prices for each route.
Sea to Sky Gondola
Cost: $159 (includes lift ticket)
Exposure: Medium
Location: Squamish-Lillooet D, BC V0N 1J0, Canada
Link: https://www.seatoskygondola.com/summer-activities/via-ferrata/
Notes: With medium exposure, this a great course for all ages. And this one of the few tour operators that offers winter via ferrata tours in British Columbia.
Whistler Via Ferrata
Cost: $169
Exposure: Medium
Location: 207B – 4368 Main St, Market Pavilion, Whistler, BC, V8E 1B6
Link: https://www.mountainskillsacademy.com/via-ferrata/whistler-via-ferrata/
Notes: The Whistler Via Ferrata tour is a half day adventure that takes you to the top of Whistler Peak. In total the complete course will take you 4km (2.5 miles) and offers 260 meters (850 feet) of gain. Tours are offered for ages 12 and up.
Quebec
Canyon Sainte-Anne
Cost: ?
Exposure: Medium
Location: 206 QC-138, Beaupré, QC G0A 1E0, Canada
Link: http://canyonsa.qc.ca/en/experiences/zipline-and-via-ferratta
Notes: Located inside of the Canyon Sainte-Anne adventure park. This is a fully guided tour finishing over a great waterfall.
If there are any missing from this list please let us know and we will add them!
