The via ferrata at Rosa Khutor runs along the northeast slope of the Aibga Ridge at an elevation of over 2,300 meters above sea level. The route begins near the upper station of the "Kavkazsky Express" cable car. This new attraction offers a walk along natural rock formations using specialized climbing equipment. The trail is 300 meters long with a vertical drop of 100 meters, allowing visitors to experience the beautiful wilderness; the surrounding rocks are covered with plants typical of the Mountain Black Sea region. As such, the via ferrata has been dubbed the "Heather Trail." It provides panoramic views of the spurs of the Main Caucasian Ridge, the Rosa Khutor resort, and its surroundings.
Alpine via ferrata routes are very popular in European countries, with the first one constructed over a hundred years ago. It is not just a sporting event, but a true immersion in the world of rocks, extreme elevation changes, and unforgettable emotions. Currently, there are only two such routes in the Sochi area, primarily designed for professional climbers.
“At the Rosa Khutor resort, we created a route accessible to everyone. This walk allows people to take their first steps into climbing without much effort. A special steel cable runs along the entire trail, acting as railings and an integral part of the continuous safety system. There are iron grips and steps installed where there are elevation changes—hence the name via ferrata, which translates to 'iron path.' Completing the route offers an adrenaline rush and excitement from interacting with nature, similar to that experienced by extreme climbers,” said Alexander Ushakov, the organizer of the via ferrata at Rosa Khutor.
The creation of this unique attraction took two years. The project was executed by organizations specializing in mountain construction, and the work was carried out by industrial climbers. The equipment has been certified not only according to Russian standards but also those of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation. Each day before the route opens, it is inspected by rescuers. Guests receive a briefing from professionals before embarking on the trail. Each visitor is "secured" to the steel railing along the path with a special safety cable that can withstand a pull of over two tons. This safety measure prevents deviation from the designated route, and it cannot be disconnected independently. Protective helmets and gloves are provided as a requirement. Thanks to all these safety features, the climbing experience becomes accessible even to individuals without serious physical training.
Rushan Sabirov, the Deputy General Director for Marketing and Sales at the Rosa Khutor resort, noted, “We are pleased to offer our guests this new exciting product launched by our long-term partners. I am confident that the via ferrata will be in demand, as it provides a great opportunity to test one's skills in climbing and mountaineering in a natural landscape. Keeping pace with the times, we are setting a trend for comfortable, safe, and informative journeys in the mountains."
Climbs on the via ferrata are organized with the supervision of a professional instructor. They are available starting at age 14, and minors under 18 must be accompanied by parents or guardians. The entire climbing route can be completed in 20 to 40 minutes. The "Iron Trail" at the Rosa Khutor resort operates daily from 10:00 to 18:00, depending on weather conditions, in accordance with the operating hours of the "Kavkazsky Express" cable car.
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