Via ferrata climbing routes are generally accessible in summer only. But there are always exceptions. And one of them can be found in St. Anton.
The Arlberger Winterklettersteig, the only of its kind in Tirol and one of few in the Alps, is a via ferrata climbing route not only open in winter but even designed to be climbed in winter. It is a real outdoor adventure high in the Alps, but climbers should be experienced. The summer route high above the Stanzertal Valley is also for experts only.
Beginners and intermediate climbers can practise their skills in the climbing areas near the Darmstädter Hütte hut or in the beautiful Schnanner Klamm gorge. On wet days there is the arl.rock indoor climbing centre, while the Hochseilgarten Verwalltal is a fun high-rope adventure park great for families. And, of course, the region has plenty of multi-pitch climbing routes with unforgettable views of the Valluga and Verwall Mountains.
Sport climbing in St. Anton am Arlberg
The region has two popular sport climbing areas. Near the Darmstädter Hütte at 2,400m there are around 50 routes. These are divided into seven sectors and are rated anywhere between 3 and 7c+. The Schnanner Klamm gorge is a great place to cool off in summer and also has routes catering for climbers of all abilities. A number of bouldering routes are also available in the gorge.
All sport climbing routes at a glance
Multi-pitch climbing routes in St. Anton am Arlberg
Almost 50 multi-pitch climbing routes can be found in the region of St. Anton am Arlberg. There are also several easy to intermediate multi-pitch routes in the high-alpine terrain of the Valluga Mountains on the Roggspitze mountain and the Jahnturm. Most of the climbing near the Darmstädter Hütte is more challenging, such as "Innuendo" on the 3,148m Kuchenspitze peak (20 pitches) or the tricky "Messner-Führe" on the Faselfasspitze mountain. Beginners should try the route called "Meister Eder und sein Pumuckl" (6 pitches).
All multi-pitch climbing routes at a glance
Via ferrata climbing routes in St. Anton am Arlberg
To the north and south of St. Anton there are two via ferratas: one for summer and one for late winter. The 2.8km Arlberger Klettersteig on the Weißschrofenspitze mountain leads along the ridge on the northern side of the Stanzertal Valley. It offers breathtaking views but is very challenging (difficulty rating D). Similarly hard is the Arlberger Winterklettersteig on the Vordere Rendlspitze mountain. It is suitable for experienced ski tourers accustomed to using ice picks.
All via ferrata climbing routes at a glance
Climbing park in St. Anton am Arlberg
The Hochseilgarten Verwalltal is a high-rope adventure park between 6 and 8 metres above the Rosanna river where visitors can climb, swing and zipwire between the treetops. The course has eight stations and includes obstacles such as rope ladders, car tyres and balancing on tree trunks. And the biggest challenge comes at the end...
More about the Hochseilgarten Verwalltal
Climbing centres in St. Anton am Arlberg
The arl.rock climbing and bouldering centre in St. Anton is a popular climbing hotspot all year round. It covers an incredible 900 sqaure metres and has more than 100 different routes, both indoors and outdoors. Highlights include the 17-metre-high tower and an artificial ice climbing wall on the outside of the building. When the ice melts in spring, the route can still be climbed using the dry tooling technique. As well as arl.rock, there is a boulder centre in Flirsch with an 80m² climbing wall.
