Scaling the East Wall on the Via Ferrata

Over the last few years Arapahoe Basin has been investing in more summer activities, like most ski resorts in Colorado – disc golf course, biking and hiking trails, wedding venues, etc. But unlike all the other places (so far, at least) they also installed a via ferrata up the East Wall. So of course we wanted to try it out.

After meeting up in the morning and getting snacks and orange juice, we rode the Black Mtn Express up to the lodge, took a couple 4x4s up to the then-under-construction Steilhang Hug, and then hiked up to the base of the wall. Once we all got the hang of clipping and unclipping, we made fairly consistent progress up the wall. Some areas were easier than others, but at the end of the day we all made it!

The consistent progress was important too, because just as we started descending the guide got a radio alert about incoming lightning – timing was good for getting down and out. We also created a song theme guessing game on the way down, which led to much singing, arguments and laughter.

Beautiful day to be on top of the world.