The next mountain tourism boom? Via Ferrata's global rise prompts call for industry collaboration

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As interest in structured mountain adventure continues to surge across Europe and North America, a new study led by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland and Lakehead University provides the first comprehensive scoping review and research agenda dedicated specifically to Via Ferrata tourism and recreation.

A distinct hybrid mountain activity

Published in the Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, the study examines the rapid growth of this hybrid outdoor sport, which combines elements of hiking, mountaineering and rock climbing, and highlights the critical need for dedicated research to guide the sustainable and commercially viable development of Via Ferrata.

"Our findings show that Via Ferrata has often been treated as a sub-category of mountaineering or climbing. In reality, it represents a distinct hybrid activity with its own participation pathways, risk profiles, and destination impacts," says Postdoctoral Researcher Kelsey Johansen of the University of Eastern Finland's Joensuu Campus.

Via Ferrata (Italian for "iron path") routes are engineered climbing systems featuring fixed steel cables, ladders, rungs, bridges and stairs that create structured, managed access to vertical and exposed terrain.

In European markets, related terms such as Sentiero Attrezzato ("equipped path") and Klettersteig ("climbing path") are used to distinguish these purpose-built routes from traditional hiking, mountaineering and rock climbing, reinforcing their identity as a distinct and professionally managed activity.

Growing pressures and research gaps

Although the study provides some initial guidelines to help land managers, guiding services, professional mountaineering associations and climbing organizations anticipate future growth pressures, and align safety, sustainability and commercial viability, Johansen says that more research is needed to support responsible growth.

The need for clearer conceptualization comes at a pivotal moment for the sector. While Via Ferrata route systems have long been established in European mountain regions, expansion surged across North America during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting wider growth in outdoor recreation and nature-based and adventure tourism.

Despite the growth, Via Ferrata remains significantly under-researched, particularly in North America, and is often classified within broader mountaineering, engineering or medical scholarship, leaving industry development and land management decisions without a consolidated evidence base.

"Via Ferrata is no longer a niche alpine curiosity. It is becoming a structured, commercialized gateway to vertical terrain," explains Prof. Dr. Harvey Lemelin, professor in Lakehead University's School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism. "Yet the sport's development is outpacing the research needed to support evidence-informed route planning, environmental management and industry standards."

Environmental, climate and planning challenges

Like other hybridized summit and mountain access innovations, Via Ferrata facilitates access to previously remote and, in some cases, ecologically sensitive alpine and canyon environments. This creates new economic opportunities but also complex planning, governance, safety and environmental stewardship challenges.

Compounding these issues are climate-related impacts affecting seasonal access, infrastructure stability and long-term mountain tourism planning.

Next steps for global collaboration

The results of the study provide a foundation for the next phase of the global research program led by Dr. Johansen and Prof. Dr. Lemelin.

Next, the authors will focus on collecting data and industry perspectives to support the development of applied management guidelines and invite collaboration from Via Ferrata operators and guiding services; professional mountaineering and climbing associations; land management agencies; destination management organizations; and industry bodies in North America and the European Union.

More information

Raynald Harvey Lemelin et al, Viva La Ferrata! A Via Ferrata scoping review and research agenda, Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.jort.2025.100960

Provided by University of Eastern Finland