Читать книгу The Swiss Alps онлайн

61 страница из 176

Safety equipment such as helmet, sit-harness, karabiners, rope and slings are essential, and their correct use should be rehearsed before setting off on any major klettersteig route. For these are frequently demanding, almost gymnastic undertakings that require a good level of mountain experience. Although non-climbers can successfully tackle some of the lower-grade routes, the ability to rock climb to at least grade III will be necessary on the longer and more challenging routes. A high level of fitness and stamina are also prerequisites.

The existence of many klettersteig routes are highlighted in this book, but the following German-language guide to 55 protected routes in Switzerland is recommended: Klettersteig Schweiz by Iris Kürschner (Rother, Munich 2004).

USEFUL WEBSITES

www.summitpost.org gives details of selected mountains and sample routes

www.viaferrata.org provides information on via ferrata/klettersteig routes in Switzerland, Italy, France and Spain

Ski touring/ski mountaineering