Via ferrata
Heini Holzer
A CLIMBING ADVENTURE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
550 m of difference in altitude, all of it perfectly secured with 1000 m of steel cable: With medium difficulty levels (A – B – B/C), the Heini Holzer via ferrata is a fun day out for both young and grown-up hikers and climbers. Its last stretch, the so-called angel's ridge, is a very impressive rock passage.
This fascinating via ferrata is an adventure suitable for all ages and experience levels – and especially for families with older children who enjoy hiking, clambering, scrambling and climbing in all its varieties.
Please note that all climbers must be a minimum of 1.50 m in height.
KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE:
WHERE TO START:
From the mountain station at Pivigna, head along trail no. 3, then take a left onto trail no. 18 ("Schartlweg") and follow the signs to the via ferrata.
HOW TO RETURN:
Once you're reached the end of the via ferrata, follow the signs to where the trail branches off to Piccolo Picco Ivigna (2552 m) and Grande Picco Ivigna (2581 m). From there, descend towards the Rifugio Kuhleiten inn and continue on trail no. 19A.
This fascinating via ferrata is an adventure suitable for all ages and experience levels – and especially for families with older children who enjoy hiking, clambering, scrambling and climbing in all its varieties.
Please note that all climbers must be a minimum of 1.50 m in height.
KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE:
- total distance: 1 km
- difference in altitude: 550 m
- difficulty level: medium (mostly A/B with some sections B/C)
- total hiking time going up: 3-4 hours
- total hiking time coming down: 1.5 hours
WHERE TO START:
From the mountain station at Pivigna, head along trail no. 3, then take a left onto trail no. 18 ("Schartlweg") and follow the signs to the via ferrata.
HOW TO RETURN:
Once you're reached the end of the via ferrata, follow the signs to where the trail branches off to Piccolo Picco Ivigna (2552 m) and Grande Picco Ivigna (2581 m). From there, descend towards the Rifugio Kuhleiten inn and continue on trail no. 19A.
PLEASE NOTE:
- All use of the via ferrata is at the climbers' own risk
- Because the ascent is on the south side of the mountain, we strongly recommend setting off early and taking plenty of water with you
- Full and adequate equipment (hiking boots, a climbing harness, a via ferrata kit and a helmet) is compulsory
An early start and an overall sound physical condition and level of fitness are vital prerequisites for climbing on this via ferrata. No water or escape routes are available along the way. If you need to interrupt the climb and are unable to finish it, you will have to return the same way you came.
The entire via ferrata is secured with steel cables: There are no passages that involve free climbing or unsecured terrain.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE HEINI HOLZER VIA FERRATA >
SAFETY FIRST
EQUIPMENT HIRE
USING THE RIGHT SAFETY EQUIPMENT IS COMPULSORY!
Having and correctly using the right equipment is essential for safe climbing. Never enter a via ferrata without a complete and standard-compliant set of climbing equipment and gear: hiking boots, a climbing harness, a via ferrata kit and a helmet.
DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT?
No worries. You can rent all the equipment and gear you'll need from:
Having and correctly using the right equipment is essential for safe climbing. Never enter a via ferrata without a complete and standard-compliant set of climbing equipment and gear: hiking boots, a climbing harness, a via ferrata kit and a helmet.
DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT?
No worries. You can rent all the equipment and gear you'll need from:
- At the rental shop at the mountain station of the Ropeway Merano 2000
Erwin Stricker (Tel.:+39 0473 27 93 90)
adults: EUR 25; kids: EUR 18 - Sportler Alpin Merano (Portici 60, 39012 Merano)
adults: EUR 18 (reservation: +39 0473 270724)
