Via Ferrata in Telluride

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • A half-day of rock climbing
    • All technical climbing gear

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation
    • Accommodations
    • Food and snacks
• How fit do I need to be?

  If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

  Keep in mind that although there are many beginner routes, you should be ready for a certain level of exposure. Some of the routes include walking on cliffs and overhanging bridges which are not suitable for those with a fear of heights or vertigo.

• What if I’ve never climbed before?

  No prior experience is necessary. Whether you’ve never donned a harness or you’re a seasoned climber, a guide will help you meet your individual objectives. Above all, your instructor’s number one priority is your safety. As long as you listen to the given instructions, you’ll succeed in completing your climb.

• What about required equipment?

  All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

  • • Helmet
    • Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag

  Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

  • • Trekking boots or shoes
    • Rain jacket
    • Via Ferrata gloves
    • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
    • Water bottle
    • Food you can eat on-the-go
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Lip balm
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For the private tour, the group size is usually between 1–4 people with one guide. Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.
    • For the group tour, there must be a minimum of 2 climbers to run. Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.

  Climbing days in Telluride can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Children under 15 must be on a private trip, and unaccompanied minors cannot join open trips.

  If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Cancellation policy

  Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

  • • Your guiding service requires at least 72 hours’ notice for cancellations and rescheduling of activities.
    • Your guiding service is happy to work with you to reschedule to a new date, or if you need to cancel entirely, they will provide a full refund with a minimum of 72 hours’ notice.
    • If you cancel inside of 72 hours ahead of a trip departure, or do not show up, you will not be refunded and will have to reschedule by paying full price.
    • All requests for refunds must be made in writing and received in your guiding service’s Colorado office. No refunds will be provided for cancellations occurring within the last 3 days prior to the scheduled date of a trip.
    • Mountain Trip reserves the right to cancel a trip prior to the departure date for any reason. In such an event, all monies collected by Mountain Trip from trip participants shall be promptly refunded. This is the extent of their financial liability.
    • Mountain Trip and their guides reserve the right to make all weather-related decisions in regards to the cancellation of trips.
• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Telluride, most people fly into Denver International Airport. From there, you can take a three-hour local flight to Telluride, which is the fastest and cheapest option. You can also fly to Montrose and take a 1.5-hour shuttle ride to Telluride, or rent a car in Denver and take a nearly 7-hour long drive.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, you will meet your guide at the Bridal Veil Falls trailhead, sometimes referred to as the Valley View Parking area, where you can park for free. Your guide will work with you on a plan for the day of your trip. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

• Covid measures in Telluride, Colorado

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Telluride, Colorado, please refer to the Official Colorado COVID-19 Update Website.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!