UKH

Does anyone do via ferrata in winter, I can't really see a problem but I've never done one in the cold

In reply to John Kelly:

Gloves. And a scarf.

In reply to jon:

You could rest on a decent scarf

In reply to John Kelly:

Could also parachute with one, depending on breathability and size.

In reply to John Kelly:

Ever tried climbing an overhanging ladder encased in a metre of ice?

In reply to jimtitt:

Are you suggesting tools and a scarf?

In reply to John Kelly:


More or less- the scarf doubles as the parachute you see...

In reply to John Kelly:

It depends where you go, I was in the Dolomites in the summer and we couldn't do one of our chosen vf as there was still too much snow which was covering cables and completely covering narrow ledges.
I'm sure there will be one or two that are possible, presumably the local guides office would know what's 'open´.

In reply to John Kelly:

Get yourself up Honister once the freeze kicks in for a taster.
It's virtually on your doorstep.

In reply to Lusk:

I'd be quite happy to give it a go (no stranger to ignominious retreats) but think honister requires a 'guide' and payment, not something I would be happy about in this setting.

In reply to BobtheBagger:


likewise I've done the via ferrata above Les Vigneaux (Ecrins) in early January when it was very pleasant - south facing on a sunny day; no need for gloves or woolly hats