Via ferrata St. Magdalena

Short description

With the Peter Kofler via ferrata in St. Jodok, a very successful via ferrata project was implemented in 2012. The number of visitors already amounted to 5,700 in the first year and more than 10,000 ascents were registered in 2014.
The success factors of via ferrata include a quick access, medium difficulties and a manageable length. All these factors are present in the area of the pilgrimage site St. Magdalena in the Gschnitz valley. The Wipptal Tourist Board is planning to build a new via ferrata here in 2016. This is intended to appeal to guests, day-trippers and locals at the same time.

Targets and target groups

Developer of the project is the Tourism Association of the Wipptal. The new via ferrata will strengthen the Wipptal and increase the attractiveness of the Gschnitz Valley.

 Through a usage agreement the land owners provide the respective parcels for the construction and operation of the via ferrata. The mountain rescue of Steinach-Gschnitztal is responsible for the development of a rescue concept. In this concept, mountain sections are defined in advance to be able to react quickly in case of  an emergency. The municipalities Gschnitz and Trins as well as the regional management Wipptal are supporting the project financially and especially during the approval procedure.

Within the local population high usage and enthusiasm can be observed with regard to the via ferrata in St. Jodok. The same development can also be expected for this project. Among the interest groups also the tenant of the snack station St. Magdalena must be included, who can benefit from increased numbers of visitors.