Reaching New Heights at the Marmot Via Ferrata Camp

August 29, 2025 / Posted by Marmot Mountain Europe GmbH / Text: Lea Herzberger / Photos: Felix Hens and Lea Herzberger

I’m Lea, 20 years old, and currently a working student at Marmot. Via ferratas have always intrigued me – the combination of a pure nature experience, breathtaking views, and the physical challenge of climbing is something I find incredibly fascinating. While I already enjoy bouldering and spending time outdoors in my free time, via ferratas felt like a whole new level. So, when my colleagues asked me if I’d like to join the Marmot Klettersteigcamp from July 11–13, 2025, I simply couldn’t say no. I was looking forward to an all-round weekend experience: adventurous activities, stunning views, shared experiences, and top-quality gear.

What is the Marmot Via Ferrata Camp?

The Marmot Via Ferrata Camp was organized in collaboration with the Aktiv am Berg Mountain School. Our goal was to combine an active mountain weekend with high-quality Marmot apparel. The test gear provided gave all participants a chance to really get to know the products and Marmot’s brand philosophy firsthand. After all, Marmot’s commitment to quality and durability is captured perfectly in their slogan: “Tested. Worn. Loved.”

The test gear included the AirExchange Crew Shirt, the Leconte Fleece Jacket, the Topanga Pant, and the Minimalist Pertex Rain Jacket. All 10 spots for the camp were raffled off weeks in advance through various Marmot retail partners and distributors, resulting in a very diverse group of climbers. The weekend plan included two via ferratas and a visit to a climbing park to both learn and practice climbing techniques.

Day One

Our journey began on July 11 in Fischen in the Allgäu region. When we arrived at the hotel named “Frohsinn” (german for “cheerfulness”), I needed a moment to take in the breathtaking mountain scenery surrounding us. I couldn’t wait to tackle my first via ferrata the next day. After checking into our rooms, we gathered for dinner, where we welcomed the ten participants.

It was a mixed group from different regions of Germany and Austria, spanning a wide range of ages and climbing experience. Despite these differences, we got along great from the beginning. From the laughter, the shared passion for climbing, and the cheerful conversations that evening, one thing was instantly clear to me: this group had already formed into a great little community.

Surprise!

“It feels like Christmas,” one participant said to me after we presented the Marmot test gear, handed out goodie bags, and announced that the participants could keep their products after the camp.

Before dinner, my colleagues and I had set up all the gear in a conference room at the hotel and after dinner, we brought the whole group in. As we entered the room, you could feel the joy and excitement in the air. After everyone had chosen their gear, we had a short technical introduction to the climbing equipment led by Ecke Frick, our mountain guide from Aktiv am Berg, who would be leading us for the next few days. I thought the briefing was super interesting and – like the others – was even more excited to finally start climbing the next day.

The First Via Ferrata, Day Two

On the morning of July 12, I woke up to a peaceful view of the sun-tinted mountain peaks and enjoyed a hearty breakfast before heading off with my colleagues. Our destination: the Kleinwalsertal, where we planned to take on the family-friendly “Walser” Via Ferrata.

“Oh boy, what have I gotten myself into?” I briefly thought when we stood at the start of the route around 10 a.m. Looking up the steep mountain made me a bit nervous. But alongside the fear of the new challenge and the steep climb right at the beginning, I also felt a growing sense of excitement – for both the journey and the summit cross at the top.

Since I already enjoy bouldering, I noticed some familiarity and similarity in the techniques used on a via ferrata. However, there were certainly new challenges as well—like the Burma Bridge, a 26-meter-long wire bridge we had to balance across. When Ecke mentioned crossing a “bridge,” I had something very different in mind! But crossing it was such a thrill and a lot of fun. The photo below shows me crossing what turned out to be more of a cable than a bridge. These kinds of challenges, paired with the supportive group dynamic, made the via ferrata incredibly fun. And even after proudly reaching the summit cross and taking in the stunning view, our adventure wasn’t over yet: we even visited a climbing park that afternoon!

New Techniques

At the climbing park, surrounded by trees and towering peaks, we learned even more climbing techniques and tackled different types of obstacles. We started with a vertical wall that everyone had to climb one by one. Once again, I felt that initial anxiety facing a new challenge. But just like earlier in the day, I overcame it quickly with the first few steps. The fear transformed into excitement, adrenaline, and motivation to reach the top!

We also learned how to rappel by ourselves. After some basic training on the ground, we climbed up to about 20 meters to practice rappelling solo. I had never rappelled on my own before, so I was kind of nervous. Standing on the platform and looking down at the group waiting below, I took a deep breath and started to descend – very slowly but steadily. I leaned back, held the rope tightly, and rappelled down safely. I might’ve been the slowest one, but at least I safely landed back on my feet on the ground and learned something completely new!

A Day Packed With Action

After our first day of via ferrata experiences, we were all really tired. Only Ecke still had energy left – If it hadn’t been getting dark, he probably would have headed straight back up the mountain.

The rest of us collapsed into our hotel beds right after dinner. It had been a day full of physical and mental challenges.

I learned so much – from the techniques of via ferrata climbing to overcoming my own fears. For me, the day was a complete success. And with that thought, I fell asleep feeling happy and proud.

Vertical Adventures

A new day, a new route. This time we combined the experience with a 45-minute hike to the start of the “Edelrid” Via Ferrata on the Iseler Mountain. The views on the way up were already incredible – panoramic views of the valley, nature, and surrounding peaks. That alone made the uphill hike worthwhile.When we reached the Edelrid Via Ferrata, I was very surprised. Not just by the distance we had already covered but also by the elevation gain still ahead. I couldn’t even see the summit cross since it was still hidden behind clouds. In total, we had to climb around 300 vertical meters.

We began climbing around 10 a.m. Unlike the previous day’s route, this one had tall steps and vertical and diagonal rock slabs, which made everything including simply standing much more challenging. There were also new obstacles: a split rock wall we had to climb up and footholds so high I nearly had to do the splits to reach them. In moments like these, I was really glad to be quite flexible despite my smaller height!

Then came my highlight of the entire trip: reaching the summit cross at over 1,800 meters around noon. When I got there, I felt pure joy, freedom, and pride. I couldn’t get enough of the view – it was magical. As a complete via ferrata beginner, climbing such a high mountain was an unforgettable achievement. I’ll carry this memory with me forever. After a long descent back into the valley, it was already 2:30 p.m. and time to say goodbye to the group. Sadly, our amazing via ferrata weekend had come to an end.

A Reflection

“This is nicer than sitting in an office, isn’t it?” Ecke, our mountain guide, asked me on the second day while we were already 1700 meters above sea level. I didn’t need long to think about my answer at all. After two adventure-packed days filled with beautiful views, new mental and physical challenges, amazing people and perfect weather, I could only answer his question with a confident yes.

The weekend was an absolute success. I met great people who made the experience even more special. I learned how to push past my limits and embrace new challenges with an open mind. I think I may have even found a new hobby.

A big thank you to Ecke Frick and the entire team from the Aktiv am Berg mountain school for organizing and leading the via ferrata camp and to everyone who made this weekend so special!

You can book more mountain tours at: https://aktiv-am-berg.com/