K1
Easy via ferrata grade.
Usually straightforward protected climbing or walking terrain with limited technical difficulty. Still requires proper VF equipment where the route is equipped.
Plain-language reference
Via ferrata glossary
Short definitions for route grades, features, equipment, and planning terms used across VFOS.
K2
Moderately easy via ferrata grade.
More sustained than K1, with steeper or more exposed sections possible. A common upper range for first-route candidates when conditions are good.
K3
Moderate via ferrata grade.
Steeper, more exposed, or more physical sections are likely. Users may choose to try a K3 for their first via ferrata, but VFOS does not mark K3 as beginner-friendly automatically.
K3 is not automatically treated as beginner-friendly on VFOS.
K4
Difficult via ferrata grade.
More strenuous and exposed, with harder sections that normally require prior VF experience.
Not recommended as a first VF.
K5
Very difficult via ferrata grade.
Demanding, exposed, and strenuous terrain for experienced users.
Not beginner-friendly.
K6
Extremely difficult via ferrata grade.
Highly demanding routes requiring strong technique, fitness, and experience.
Not beginner-friendly.
Exposure
How airy or committing the route feels.
A route can be technically easy but still feel intimidating if it is high, open, or has big drops below.
Exposure is a personal tolerance, not just a grade.
Crux
The hardest or most committing point.
The crux may be a steep wall, exposed traverse, overhang, ladder, bridge, or other feature that defines the route difficulty.
Tyrolean traverse
A cable crossing where you move across a gap suspended on equipment.
Some routes include a tyrolean traverse as a feature. It may require a pulley or specific technique depending on the route. Also known as a zipline.
Check route requirements before going.
Overhang
A section that leans out beyond vertical.
Overhangs are physically demanding because body weight pulls away from the rock or ladder.
Usually not suitable for a first VF.
Traverse
A sideways section across the face.
Traverses can be easy or very exposed. They often feel more committing than vertical sections because retreat may be awkward.
Ladder
A fixed ladder on the route.
Ladders can make steep terrain easier technically, but long or exposed ladders can still feel serious.
Tibetan bridge
A cable bridge consisting of a single cable for the feet and two cables for the hands.
You step on one cable and hold on to the two side cables. A fourth cable serves as a safety line.
Nepalese bridge
A cable bridge consisting of a single cable for the feet and a single cable for the hands.
You step on one cable and hold on to the single side cable. A third cable serves as a safety line.
Escape point
A place where you can leave the route before the finish.
Escape points reduce commitment, but they may still involve steep paths or route-finding.
Know the escape before you need it.
Approach
The walk from parking or transport to the start.
Approaches can be simple paths or serious mountain terrain. They count as part of the day.
Descent
The route from the finish back down.
Descents can be longer or harder than expected, especially when tired or in poor weather.
Via ferrata set
Two lanyards with an energy absorber made for via ferrata.
A certified VF set is designed to reduce force in a fall on fixed cables.
Do not substitute slings or ordinary climbing quickdraws for a VF set.
Energy absorber
The part of a VF set that deploys to reduce fall force.
It is a single-use safety component after a significant fall and must be inspected or replaced according to manufacturer guidance.
Do not use improvised systems.
Harness
A climbing harness that connects you to the VF set.
Use a properly fitted climbing harness compatible with your VF set and body size.
Helmet
Head protection for rockfall and impacts.
A climbing helmet is strongly recommended on via ferratas because other parties, loose rock, or slips can create impact hazards.
Gloves
Hand protection for cable and metalwork.
Gloves help with grip and protect against cable strands, hot metal, and abrasion.
Conditional status
Open with caveats or uncertain constraints.
A conditional route may have source notes, seasonal caveats, weather-related warnings, or partial restrictions.
Read the source note before relying on the status.