Life is like a roller coaster. Highest of high and lowest of low. This experience is certainly our highest of high as this is our first real via ferrata climb as a family. In fact, this journey is a miracle by itself as there are so many incidents along the way; airport close, flight disruptions, baggage lost, climbing kit shortage and weather changes. We are so grateful that in the end we are safe and able to experience this thrilling adventure.

Trail Description

What is Via Ferrata?

The via Ferrata (Italian for “iron way”) is a mountain route equipped with steel cables, ladders, and other fixed anchors, for example wooden walkways and suspended bridges.

These equipment renders feasible an exposed route even to the inexperienced climber, and allows those not experienced in climbing technique to hike on ledges, climb vertical walls, and reach the peaks of mountains. On these routes the risk of a fatal fall is minimized by having a steel cable run along the trail – to which you can attach yourself with a via ferrata set.

Trail Character

The Tierbergli climbing trail is a stunning, high alpine route with wonderful views of the Susten Pass and the Gadmen Valley. The trail can be climbed as a day tour or with an overnight stay in the Tierbergli hut. The SAC Baselland hut is located on the Susten Pass, above a stone glacier on a rocky spur and can accommodate 70 people. For more information see www. tierbergli .ch

The via ferrata trail takes you through a diverse landscape up to the rocky plateau, on which the Tierbergli hut was built. The first section being mainly K2 / K3 (good for beginners), but with a challenging section (K4). There is an alternative route to avoid this challenging section as described in the blog below. Second section predominantly K3 with scree slopes in between.   Only go in good weather, in wet/snowy conditions the slabby rocks become dangerously slippery. 

Equipment Required

Equipment Required: Via Ferrata climbing kit (can be rented from most sport shops in nearby town ~ 25 eur per day), helmet, gloves, a small backpack and a good flexible hiking shoes.

Check the temperature before the climb and do not wear too many layers as climbing will induce sweating. Many don’t realize that, when it comes to rock climbing, especially if you’re out for a long journey, the clothes you wear are almost as important as your harness, shoes, and the REST OF YOUR EQUIPMENT. It also doesn’t matter how good the rock is—if you’re uncomfortable, you won’t enjoy the ascent. Highly recommended breathable clothing that takes away moisture from your body. The small backpack should have additional clothing in case of weather changes and a small bottle of water.

Hiring a guide is not necessary but recommended for first timer.

Climb Start and End, and Time

Start from Parking Umpol, Steingletscher to Tierberglihütte SAC

Approximately 4 hrs, 2 hr 45 mins (900 m) accent and 1 hr 30 mins descent

Preparing for the Climb

Its a scenic drive going through Susten Pass to get to the start of the trail. 

Tierbergli hut is actually visible in the image above; perch on top of the mountain. Can you spot it?

Preparing and ensuring everything is ready for the climb took us almost an hour. Really need to ensure all safety harness is fully secure and tight. That includes my 360 degree camera which I newly bought for this journey  

Climbing Tierbergli Vertical Wall Video

360 image capture

These stunning images was captured using the 360 camera attached on top my helmet. The camera I am using is called Insta360 One X. This camera allows me to capture my climb in every direction at once. With a few taps on the phone, you can frame the best parts of your shot and create a stunning, cinematic edit.

It is nerve racking looking at it now. In the image on the right, I had this surreal thought and experience while looking down “My life is hanging on 2 rod of steel bar!!”  

Moving sideways on a vertical wall is scarier than moving up. You have to look down a lot more while moving sideways.

Challenging Section

This part is quite challenging. The steel rod is not easily reachable. In this section, I am assisting my wife in reaching the upper steel rod. In Via Ferrata, climbers should not be climbing close together. If one falls, he or she will falls onto the others and that will cause injury.

Tierbergli Challenging Section

Final Climb !

This is the last push before reaching our destination. Throughout the climb, our mind has to be very focus on the path and task in front of us. There are few times where I did not attached the clips properly and I did not realized it. There is really no room for distraction. To do this kind of climbing one has to be really mindful. Thankfully, we are all safe and in one piece. 

Tiebergli

Final Section

We made it !!

We reach the middle section in roughly 2 hours. We did not take any rest in between…cannot totally relax hanging on the side of wall. We are not immune to fear of heights at all.

We are relieved to reach the top of the middle section. It has been an absolutely thrilling experience for us first timer. The experience of hanging on the vertical wall is something that we will never forget.

Love this tough look. Hats, cool sunglasses and all sorts of climbing stuff hanging on my waist! I have always admire mountain climber, today I am.

Vincent said that he has been waiting for a long time. Hope one day he will realized that we have never left him in any trip when he is younger.
Vincent wanted to continue climbing the upper section which will take another 2 hours. Looking at the time and our stamina..maybe next time
When asked weather the climb is scary, they replied no really. Not sure if they are trying to be cool or they are really not afraid of cimbing.

Bullet time video

Hiking down

Walking down is a breeze.
Hikers could choose to walk up instead of climbing via ferrata.
Found mushroom on the way down.Can it be eaten?
Nice scenery on this side as well.
This cute and energetic dog is following us for quite some time. Not sure why.
Im sure this can be eaten. Looks like delicious cotton candy

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