VIA FERRATA - DACHSTEIN ALPS

Austria's beautiful Dachstein Alps are compact, and easy to get to from Salzburg. Their famous Sudwand (South Wall) is one of the highest in the Alps at 900m, and is also home to the Johann Route - a big undertaking with 800m of climbing - that's a bigger route than anything I have done in the Dolomites...... Other routes have been set up in recent years to complement the original classics, making the area a top destination for Via Ferrata. Another key difference between this region and the Dolomite routes is the higher altitude, and presence of the Dachstein glacier which provides a very different atmosphere. I have climbed in the Dachstein many times, and would recommend it very highly.

We stay in the village of Ramsau, which is set amongst meadows and forests beneath the massive limestone ridge of the Ramsauer Klettersteig. It's a fairly quiet place, but there are regular events including a midweek beer festival. There are some excellent places to eat out. You can get information about all the Via Ferrata in this area by visiting the following link:  www.ramsau.com/climbing-trails.html

WHO IS THE COURSE SUITABLE FOR?
Walkers, scramblers and climbers who have either done some Via Ferrata before, or who have rock climbing experience. Some of the Dachstein routes are long and at higher grades. This is an ideal location if you've been to the Dolomites and would like to experience quality Via Ferrata in a different area.

CONTENT
This holiday/course has an additional instructional element in that it aims to provide you with the skills to be able to begin  tackling Via Ferrata on your own, but it also provides plenty of opportunities for you to accompany Highpoint staff or local guides on routes of the highest quality. The instructional element includes:

- Use of harnesses and ropes
- Climbing techniques for different rock features
- Use of specialist Via Ferrata equipment
- Protecting leader and second when required on Via Ferrata and scrambling terrain
- Protected Abseil retreats
- Awareness of high mountain hazards 

This training is included in the course fee, and some of it takes place over an optional day course in the Lake District before the holiday. Some additional skills training takes place in the Dachstein. 

DATES: 2010:  JULY 31 - AUGUST 7;

PRICE: £895 Includes: Accommodation at Hotel Ischi, Guided Via Ferrata for 5 days, use of specialist Via Ferrata kit - lanyards, helmet, harness as required, free lift from Salzburg airport and local transport.

GETTING THERE: Fly to Salzburg arriving latest 6pm,for a pick-up and easy 1.5 hour drive to Ramsau. Return lift to airport arrives Salzburg airport for flights 9am onwards. It is possible to travel by public transport to Ramsau, via the train to Schladming and local bus from there to Ramsau. Driving to Austria is a long way, but a great experience if you have the time and you'll pass lots of fantastic places on the way. We highly recommend travelling with Eurotunnel

INSTRUCTION
Accompanying you on the routes are a mixture of experienced staff from Highpoint, who know the area well, and local guide Richard Pickl. Everyone who works on this course has a mixture of high levels of personal skills, instructional experience and qualifications. All instructors carry liability insurance. Instructors will do a route every day, and invite you to join them – you can of course opt to do an alternative route or have a rest day. 

INSURANCE
It is important to be insured for third party liability and for rescue. You can try the BMC on 0870 010 4878 (www.thebmc.co.uk)
 

WHAT YOU NEED
Conditions are often favourable in the summer, but you should be prepared for the worst, and have a full set of light waterproofs along with a layering system suitable for cold weather, with gloves and hat. On warm days shorts and shirts might be the norm, but it can be much cooler higher up on or above the glacier, or in the shade, and it can get cold and wet if afternoon storms kick in. A small-medium rucsac is required. Footwear should be tough and capable of handling scrambling terrain and rough descents of scree. Though it is possible to wear approach shoes, be aware that the rough descents could be an issue especially if you prefer ankle support. Rock boots (comfortable ones) are fine for the Via Ferrata, but you can climb them in walking boots. A large water bottle or other method of carrying liquid is essential. Many people prefer wearing Via Ferrata gloves, though this is a personal choice – (get down to your local DIY store and buy a pair of good quality leather gardening gloves, then cut the fingers off half way as an alternative) Although we can loan specialist gear, if you have them or want to purchase them, the following items are needed: Helmet, Harness, Via Ferrata lanyard – please feel free to contact us for advice. 

BOOKING CONDITIONS, BAD WEATHER, PAYMENTS, CANCELLATION AND INSURANCE
Bookings are made subject to the following criteria: A deposit of 30% is due with the booking unless the booking is closer than 4 weeks to the start date, in which case the full amount is due. The balance of course fees is due any time up to 4 weeks prior to the start date. Cancellations made more than 4 weeks prior to the course start date attract a full refund. No refund is available for courses cancelled less than 4 weeks before the course start date. We recommend that you take out personal insurance through someone such as the BMC (www.thebmc.co.uk). Your insurance policy must cover you for rescue and medical care appropriate to the activity and area. In the event of bad weather, the instructors and personnel working for Highpoint will do their best to find a suitable location, but activities may be cancelled if the weather conditions make the activity too hazardous in the opinion of the instructor in charge on the day. No refunds are available for activities cancelled due to bad weather or dangerous conditions.