Via Ferrata – try this amazing winter climb and ski tour experience!

Winter climbing in January may not be the first thing you think about when coming to St Anton but right now with spring like conditions, it’s a perfect time to try this protected climb and beautiful ski tour.

Winter climbing via ferrata with a Piste To Powder mountiain guide in St. Anton am Arlberg

Photo: TVB St. Anton am Arlberg / Photographer: Josef Mallaun

High up in the Rendl area, there is a stunning scenic 850m climb, protected with a steel cable that you can safely clip on to. Amazingly it is in fact the only winter climb in the Tyrol, and the reward for a little effort are two great descents.

As you exit at the top of Riffll2, if you look up and to your right  you will see the start of the climb. The route follows Rifflgrate to the front of Rendlspitze at 2,816 meters. If you pause for a moment as you climb you are rewarded with spectacular views of the whole Verwall and Lechtaler Alps, stretching out before you.

Suitable for L2/3 Tourers, the climb is an initial scramble over rock, the rest is straightforward and protected all the way with the steel cable – so you do not need to be a climber or have any previous climbing experience, but a can-do attitude is a must!

At the end of the climb there is a choice of two fabulous descents – either through the stunningly beautiful Malfontal valley to Pettneu or over Rossfall through the Moos valley back to Anton where we can enjoy a well deserved drink.

Sign Up!

Try this tour – sign up with one of our Open touring group, for just 145 euros to enjoy this amazing experience and have something to talk about in the apres after!

What Equipment Do I need?

Piste To Powder can provide all the safety equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe) free of charge – climbing equipment – harness and carabiner – can be rented from our guide for 15 euros for the day. You also need a helmet, soft soled ski boots – either a hybrid boot or ski touring boot, touring poles or 3-fold poles for boarders, Off Piste skis or snowboard,  touring gloves and normal warmer gloves for ski down, snacks, water, suncream, cash and Off Piste Insurance.

Questions? Get in touch here!

Blog entry by Zoe