In our municipality there are only three sport ferrata (via ferrata), the Hvadnik, Jerm’n and Mojstrana ferrata. All the others are equipped paths, which are partially protected, unpaved and often snow-covered, even in early summer. The latter are only suitable for experienced mountaineers with the appropriate equipment (harness, helmet, self-protection kit, ice axe and ice skis) and the knowledge to use the equipment. Such very demanding protected mountaineering routes are the Hanzova route to Mala Mojstrovka, the Kopiščar route through the Prisank window, the Hanzova route to Prisank and others. Tourists often confuse the latter with sports feratamas, which is often a recipe for disaster.
Via ferrata
Ferrata (via ferrata) are set up in the natural environment of a rockface in the most advantageous way. They are often placed in the vicinity of tourist centres, next to mountain stopovers or sports parks to diversify the tourist offer. There is a standard for the construction of a ferrata. After completion of the work, the ferrata shall be inspected by an authorised person. There is usually a notice board at the entrance to the ferrata with “instructions for use”, clearly marked with the difficulty rating and a sketch of the route of the ferrata. The ferratas are not marked, as the wire ropes run from the start to the end of the route without interruption, so there is no other route possible. The ropes are loose to allow the climber to stop his fall safely, the distance between the pegs is usually 3 m. The minimum equipment required is a harness, helmet and self-protection kit.
Equipped paths
Equipped paths are usually the ones that are as easy as possible to get to the top of a mountain peak. It should be pointed out that mountain paths are categorised into three levels of difficulty, easy, difficult and very difficult protected mountain paths. All of them are marked with Knafelč’s markings, and the very difficult ones are additionally marked with a triangle with an exclamation mark. Safeguards are only in places where they are needed to facilitate progress. The wire ropes are pre-tensioned as strings with pegs at short distances between each other. In addition to a harness, helmet and self-protection kit, other mountaineering equipment (ice axe, crampons, etc.) and mountaineering skills are required. In case of poor visibility, orientation and route finding may be very difficult. For all hikers on very difficult protected mountain trails, we recommend hiring a mountain guide.
We kindly appeal to all hosts and tourism providers to raise awareness among tourists and visitors about the differences between feratas and protected mountain paths. In particular, we would like to point out that there are no ferrata in Prisank and Mojstrovka, which is a common misconception among visitors. Please advise tourists who are going on very demanding protected mountain trails to hire a mountain guide. This will ensure their safety and reduce the risk of accidents in the mountains. A mountain guide will take them safely to their desired destination.
Please draw guests’ attention to the recommendations, which have been prepared in cooperation with IFMGA and UIMLA guides and are also part of the information boards below the entrance to each ferrata:
- proper equipment (suitable footwear and clothing, climbing harness, self-protection kit, helmet, gloves),
- appropriate weather conditions (rain, wind, snow, possibility of thunderstorms, severe heat are not suitable weather conditions!),
- adequate safety clearance, movement on the ferrata and continuous fastening of the self-protection kit,
- access to the ferrata via designated routes and respect for private property,
use of official car parks (the nearest ones are at the kindergarten, Vrt Viharnik and Fabrka),
- protection of flora and fauna in the ferrata itself and in its surroundings,
helping to improve the ferata with the money raised from the sale of “Ferata Kranjska Gora” wristbands (this year in green in both children’s and adult versions),
- each feratata has a maximum number of participants in a group depending on the difficulty of the route (Aljaževa up to 6 persons, Pot Mojstranških Veveric up to 3 persons, Hvadnik up to 6 persons, Jerm’n up to 3 persons),
- when choosing a guided tour, choose a guide with the appropriate licence (UIMLA, IFMGA) and pay attention to the size of the group.
Everyone’s safety starts with each individual visitor!
You can find all the features and difficulties of the ferattas in the following links:
