TRAKS and Via Ferrata

Less than 4 hours away from the shop lies one of the nicest vertical sites in the Arabian Peninsula. Nested at the bottom of Jebel Shams is the famous Snake Canyon. Recently the Omani government has undertaken the construction of two via ferrata's in the area.

Via Ferrata's are a big hit in Europe on some of the more popular routes. They offer the advantage of personal protection without requiring advanced rock climbing skills. VF's also allow for progression from side to side.

The whole course takes about 3 hours to complete. Follow the cable along the face...

.. then between tight spots...

..maybe up a bit....

..and across.

Using a Y lanyard, you are always tied to a solid anchoring point. One must use an energy absorbing device in order to minimize fall factor risk.

To get going, kit-wise, start off with your basic kit - harness, carabiners, helmet - then add one VF shock absorbing lanyard and one pulley and you're set to go. Emotions are guaranteed.

And who said VF couldn't be fun! Going...

..Going...

GONE! Ah ya, the canyon is 60-70m deep at times.