Equipment

Visitor and Operational Rules for the Via Ferrata

Sokolie Skaly :

• The operational rules primarily serve to prevent injuries and ensure order. They are visibly displayed in the Sokolie Skaly area.
• Violating the operational rules may result in the visitor being expelled from the via ferrata.
• Climbing on via ferratas is at one’s own risk. The operator assumes no responsibility for damages caused due to violations of the operational rules, improper belaying techniques, climbing, or handling of via ferrata equipment, poor-quality gear, inattentiveness, failure to respect other climbers, or damage to property.
• Anyone causing damage or injuring others must bear the consequences themselves. The operator assumes no responsibility in such cases.
• Via ferrata routes pose a risk of falling and falling rocks, which can result in severe injuries or death.
• Climbing on via ferratas is intended for experienced climbers equipped with a certified via ferrata set: a climbing harness (either a sit harness or full-body harness), a fall absorber, and a climbing helmet. We also recommend wearing gloves and sturdy hiking boots.
• Beginners and inexperienced visitors may climb via ferratas only with an authorized person: an UIAGM mountain guide or a UIMLA mountain leader.
• UIAGM mountain guides and UIMLA mountain leaders follow the standards set by their professional organizations when providing services. During guided activities, they are responsible for their clients and have liability insurance for potential damages.
• We recommend that all visitors have insurance in case of emergency rescue intervention.

Visitor Obligations:

• Every visitor must carefully read and acknowledge the operational rules during their first visit and must comply with them.
• The operational rules apply to all visitors, including non-climbers (hikers, children, guardians, etc.).
• Visitors must immediately report any deficiencies that may endanger their own safety or the safety of others to the via ferrata center operator. This includes any direct and serious threats to life or health. Visitors should also assist in eliminating such hazards where possible.
• Visitors must report theft or vandalism (damage to steel components, signs, climbing gear, valuables, etc.) to the police.
• Every visitor is responsible for the proper condition of their climbing gear. Only equipment specifically designed for this sport (UIAA, CE certified) is permitted, and professional handling is essential to prevent injury or fatalities.
• Visitors must respect nature by avoiding unnecessary damage to the environment, plants, and animals. They should also refrain from littering and disrupting the peace and quiet of the area.

Prohibitions:

• It is strictly forbidden to move on the via ferrata without proper securing and outside the designated route marked by the safety cable. Solo climbing (without protection) above 1.5 meters is prohibited.
• Children under 15 years old are not allowed to enter without adult supervision or as part of an organized group led by an experienced instructor.
• Camping, tenting, and lighting fires are prohibited.
• Climbing with ice axes and crampons on the via ferrata’s technical infrastructure is prohibited.
• Entry is prohibited for individuals under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances. It is also forbidden to consume alcohol in sports-designated areas.
• Dogs are not allowed on the via ferrata’s technical infrastructure. Visitors may only walk dogs on a leash within the via ferrata area.
• Driving vehicles into the via ferrata area is prohibited, except for police, rescue services, and maintenance vehicles.
• The military, police, firefighters, and mountain rescue service must notify the owner before conducting training exercises in the via ferrata area. Training must not take place during peak visitor hours and must not damage the via ferrata infrastructure or endanger visitors.
• Organizing mass sports events or group activities is prohibited without explicit approval from the via ferrata owner.
• Entry to the via ferrata is prohibited during seasonal closures or outside of operating hours.

Operator Rights and Responsibilities:

• The operator is not responsible for injuries or damages caused by the inherent risks of via ferrata activities.
• The operator or authorized personnel have the right to expel visitors who violate the rules, endanger others, or damage the via ferrata’s infrastructure.
• The operator is responsible for regular technical inspections of safety infrastructure, including cables, bridges, steel rungs, wooden elements, and anchor points.
• The operator has the right to temporarily or permanently close certain via ferrata routes when necessary and must inform visitors through media and notices.
• If a via ferrata is closed, the operator must provide clear signage at the entrance indicating the closure.

Safe Climbing Guidelines:

1. Use certified via ferrata equipment (helmet, harness, energy-absorbing lanyard with carabiners).
2. Always check your gear carefully before climbing.
3. Never climb alone.
4. Follow the one-way system of the ferratas. Reverse climbing is only allowed in emergencies.
5. Stay on the designated via ferrata route and safety cable.
6. Do not overtake or crowd other climbers. Be patient and respectful.
7. Evaluate your abilities and never overestimate yourself. Beginners should start with easier routes.
8. Weather conditions affect difficulty. Avoid climbing in rain, ice, or snow.
9. Never climb during an approaching storm (via ferratas act as lightning conductors). Be aware of escape routes.
10. Use a full-body harness or an additional chest harness when climbing with a backpack to prevent dangerous falls.
11. Always be secured by two carabiners.
12. Slide carabiners along the safety cable and keep them in sight.
13. Never disconnect both carabiners at the same time. When switching at an anchor point, move one carabiner first, then the other.
14. Ensure carabiner gates are properly closed after switching.
15. Maintain a safe distance of two anchor sections when climbing vertically to avoid collisions in case of a fall.
16. Only one climber per section between two anchors in horizontal traverses.
17. Experienced climbers should lead the way to assist beginners if needed.
18. Plan safe passing points when overtaking other climbers to avoid risk.
19. Always stay secured while passing or overtaking.
20. Keep a safe distance from climbers who do not follow the rules.
21. Use a lanyard only for resting, and remember to detach it before continuing.
22. Children should use a full-body harness and additional safety rope. Children under 130 cm in height are not recommended on via ferratas as they may struggle to reach safety anchors.
23. Follow the load limits on suspension bridges and rope nets.

Emergency Contacts:

• Via ferrata maintenance operator:
  • Phone: +421 905 611 569
  • Email: jstehlik70@gmail.com
• Municipal Police: 045/533 10 00
• Rescue Service: 112

Operating Hours:

• Climbing on the via ferrata is only allowed during daylight hours:
  • From one hour after sunrise until one hour before sunset.

Prepared by: Pavol Rajčan