Ouray Via Ferrata – The Rules

The “Downstream” and “Upstream” Ouray Via Ferrata Routes are OPEN for the 2023 Season! Hours of Operation are 8am – 4pm, 7 Days a Week. Please stay tuned to our social media channels and website for up-to-date information regarding weather related closures and additional information!

OVF Instagram Page

The Ouray Via Ferrata course features many different elements designed for both progression and protection. Horizontal tensioned cables (Italian Style), diagonal and vertical J-loop cables (French Style), 3-wire and 4-wire aerial cable bridges, steel climbing rungs, foot pedals, and natural rock climbing holds.

This activity can kill you! Inexperienced users should hire a Professional Guide.

Hours of Operation: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm; 7 days a week May 6, 2023 through October 31, 2023

Minimum Required Equipment on the Ouray Via Ferrata include:

  • EN958 Certified Via Ferrata Energy Absorbing System (EAS)
  • EN12492 Certified Helmet – Mountaineering
  • EN 12277 Certified Harness – Mountaineering
  • Use of non-certified or improvised equipment may result in death or serious injury
  • CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT FOR LEGIBLE LABELS AND CONDITION!

Ouray Via Ferrata: Additional Guidelines

The Ouray Via Ferrata is about to begin it’s fourth season of operation. Each year the Friends of the Ouray Via Ferrata Board and Ranger staff have evolved operations to accommodate climber needs and insure the highest level of safety requirements are met for all participants. Over the past three seasons the complexities of belaying on the VF have shown the need for professional training in order to meet manufactures’ requirements regarding weight limitations of Via Ferrata lanyards.

Beginning on May 6, 2023 the Ouray Via Ferrata will no longer allow participants outside of the manufacturers weight requirements (90lbs-265lbs/40kg-120kg) to climb the Upstream or the Downstream Route without a professional guide using appropriate belay techniques in conjunction with a VF lanyard. This rule change no longer allows recreational parties to belay participants under 90lbs or over 265lbs. Unguided participants who are outside of the manufactures’ weight requirements will be not be allowed to access the Via Ferrata, and they will be denied entry by the OVF Rangers.

  • Climbers weighing less than 90 lbs or more than 265 lbs must utilize a supplemental belay system on sections with significant vertical climbing. All climbing rungs and cable bolts are approved belay points, DO NOT belay anchored to the cable.
  • The route is one-way, from South to North. Designated passing areas are available on the route – slower parties are requested to allow faster parties to “play through” where safe and appropriate. Clipping around climbers is easily done at flat sections. DO NOT DISCONNECT FROM THE CABLE TO PASS!
  • No more than two users on a single span of safety cable between anchors – maintain proper spacing!
  • The route requires significant arm and leg strength and should only be attempted by fit and healthy persons. Anyone under 16 years of age requires adult accompaniment. There is one emergency bail point before the Sky Ladder – it is a vertical climb up and out to a trail above the canyon
  • There are many elevated high exposure areas – persons with a fear of heights should carefully consider if this is an appropriate activity
  • Any individual or child attempting the route must have a minimum reach of 62″ from the ground
  • ALWAYS travel with BOTH lanyard carabiners attached to the cable. Transfer one lanyard carabiner at a time when passing bolts. Climbing rungs may be used as intermediate lanyard connections for longer reaches between cable sections if needed
  • A minimum of one leash must be attached to the safety cable at all times on the Via Ferrata from beginning to end. NEVER unclip both leash leads at the same time!
  • Climbing slings, tethers, and other improvised “leash” connections are not acceptable and are dangerous
  • The route is approximately 1.25 KM long and takes between 2 and 3.5 hours to complete. It requires several crossings of the canyon on bare wire cable bridges and has extensive climbing and descending on rungs and sheer cliffs
  • User assumes all risk from use
  • In case of emergency call 911

The route is managed by Friends of the Ouray Via Ferrata, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Please report any issues to [email protected].

Download the Ouray Via Ferrata PDF Brochure