Destination: Via Ferrata

WHERE TO CLIP IN AND CLIMB AT 10 IKON PASS DESTINATIONS

If you’ve ever wanted to join the likes of the rock climbers you see scaling the mountain face, and are keen to try a new adventure, then a via ferrata may be the next challenge on your bucket list.

Italian for “iron way,” via ferratas gained prominence in WWI when soldiers built permanent iron ladder rungs onto the Alps to safely traverse mountain passes. Today, many Ikon Pass destinations have created via ferrata courses that give you those same high-alpine vibes with the equipment and expert guides you need to summit safely. Swap your ski gear for a climbing harness and specialized lanyard and earn your iconic views from the summit.

As an Ikon Pass holder, you can score via ferrata discounts at participating destinations and get help planning your trip with Ikon Pass Travel.

Arapahoe Basin

Arapahoe Basin

Head to The Legend that is Arapahoe Basin for a guided tour on North America’s highest-elevation via ferrata. A-Basin’s via ferrata is entirely above treeline, starting at the East Wall base and climbing 1,200 feet to a 13,000-foot summit with 360-degree views of the Continental Divide. Full- and half-day tours are available on this incredible high-alpine experience in the heart of Colorado.

CMH Summer Adventures

Select from four via ferratas in the Canadian Rockies at CMH Bobbie Burns, CMH Cariboos, and CMH Bugaboos. Start at CMH Bugaboos’ Skyladder to get your via ferrata feet wet, and move on to the Conrad Glacier via ferrata, the Zillmer Canyon via ferrata, and the longest route in North America, the Mt. Nimbus via ferrata — known for its Instagram-famous suspension bridge. Plus, Ikon Pass holders can save up to $1,400 CAD on summer via ferrata excursions.

Dolomiti Superski

Take your pick of amazing via ferrata routes in the country that started it all. At Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, you can try the high-altitude trekking route “Dolomites without Borders,” which includes 12 via ferrata paths with historical significance that span ancient warpaths and trenches. Also of note, Via Ferrata Paternkofel features interesting tunnels and passages, Via Ferrata Maximilian traverses the entire Rosszahnkamm ridge, and Via Ferrata at Speikboden is designed especially for children.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Embark on the ultimate summer adventure and experience the Tetons in an entirely new way with the Jackson Hole Via Ferrata. As the first mountain resort in the United States to install a via ferrata, Jackson Hole now boasts 17 unique routes in varying difficulty, including a 120-foot suspension bridge. Select from a full- or half- day experience — all alongside a knowledgeable guide.

Mammoth Mountain

Adventure seekers from all over come to California for a taste of the Mammoth Mountain via ferrata. With six unique routes that progress in difficulty, your guide will lead you on a short hike to the via ferrata base and determine the best climbing routes for you, based on your skills and abilities. As an Ikon Pass holder, you can get 10% off your three-hour private or 90-minute group tour, from June through September.

CMH

Mt Buller

New in 2024, Mt Buller launched Australia’s first — and only — via ferrata, known as RockWire. Go down under to experience a gorgeous guided climb along Mt Buller’s west face that traverses two main rock bands. Once you’ve reached the summit, you can take in the gorgeous Delatite Valley views 3,200 feet below. And stay tuned, Mt Buller has two more via ferrata routes in the works.

Palisades Tahoe

Ascend an 800-foot vertical cliff with ease on one of Palisade Tahoe’s summer alpine adventures, the Tahoe Via Ferrata. Begin your guided climb with a short shuttle ride to the Flamingo Buttress — from there, you and your group will embark on an alpine adventure to previously inaccessible terrain on one of four routes: The Great Escape, The Loophole, Skyline, or Sundial. As an Ikon Pass holder, you can get 10% off your next via ferrata expedition.

SkiBig3

Get a bird’s-eye view of Banff National Park atop the Mt Norquay via ferrata. You and your ACMG-certified guide will climb one of five routes to more than 6,500 feet in elevation, making your way up a series of mountain faces, ladders, and even a suspension bridge. Once you’ve conquered the via ferrata, you’ve earned your lunch and celebratory bevvies at Banff’s iconic Cliffhouse Bistro.

Taos Ski Valley

In New Mexico, you can experience Kachina Peak’s subalpine ecosystem at 11,500 feet with the Taos Via Ferrata. Taos’s guided tours range from beginner to advanced, with adrenaline-pumping challenges, like vertical terrain with views of the Rio Hondo and Wheeler Peak Wilderness, a 100-foot skybridge, and a double-cable high-wire catwalk suspended 20 feet over jagged rock.

Tremblant

Experience the Canadian treasure that is Tremblant in an entirely new way — from the rocky cliffs high above the Diable River. Located at the entrance of Parc National du Mont-Tremblant, the Tremblant via ferrata includes a challenging rock face with built-in steps, beams, and bridges. For even more adventure, try Tremblant’s summit-to-village, five-zipline tour down the mountain.