The purpose of this master’s thesis is to present secured climbing routes called »via-ferratas«. Visiting via-ferratas is an increasingly popular activity among the general population. The name »via-ferrata« is of Italian origin. The word illustrates an »iron« polygon equipped with safety equipment, built exclusively for dizzying physical training. The word »ferrata« also refers to classic mountain trails (e.g. in the Dolomites). These enable safer ascent through exposed and steep rocky areas on the top of the mountain for individuals who are not skilled in alpine climbing. The goal of a the via ferrata is therefore to climb and not to conquer peaks. The ferratas are usually set over attractive rocky slopes. Via-ferratas feature as a supplement to tourist infrastructures and are easily accessible. To safely ascent the via-ferratas one needs appropriate psychophysical condition as well as appropriate technical and personal equipment.
To assess the current situation in regards to via ferrata activity in Slovenia we conducted an online and on the field survey. The survey questionnaire was relatively short and employed selective and essay questions. The results showed that more and more people ascend via-ferratas and that most ferrata visitors use appropriate equipment. They also are aware of different ferrata difficulty scales. Most individuals choose the tour according to their own abilities and past experiences. The results also indicate that less than a fifth of the respondents acquired their knowledge in a ferrata course and that most of them enter the ferrata for the first time in the company of a close friend or a family member.
The present thesis can serve as a useful teaching /learning material for all those who climb ferrata’s regularly and also, and particularly, those who have yet to climb their first ferrata. We gathered information about the preparation for the ferrata, the difficulty scales of secured climbing routes, the ferrata courses, the procedures in case of an accident, the appropriate equipment and the locations of all ferratas in Slovenia. With the collected information, previous experiences and according to their own abilities, an individual will be able to choose a suitable via-ferrata. Via-ferrata climbing can be dangerous and challenging. It is, thus, important to learn and get proper knowledge before climbing them. In order to increase the safety of this activity and reduce the number of accidents, we recommend attending a ferrata course.
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