Via Ferrata Tourism in North America:
A Scoping Study

Project Summary

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Via Ferrata is a rapidly growing hybrid outdoor activity that combines elements of hiking, mountaineering, and rock climbing, supported by permanent infrastructure such as steel cables, ladders, bridges, and fixed anchors. Originally developed in Europe, Via Ferrata routes are increasingly being established at tourism destinations across North America, driven by post-COVID growth in outdoor recreation and demand for guided, accessible adventure experiences. This growth presents significant opportunities for destinations, operators, land managers, and professional associations, including product diversification, four-season tourism development, and broader participation in mountain environments. At the same time, it introduces complex challenges related to route planning, visitor safety, environmental sensitivity, capacity management, and the impacts of climate change on access to mountainous and high-altitude terrain.

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The purpose of this study is to provide the first comprehensive overview of Via Ferrata research and practice, with a particular focus on its emergence and expansion in North America. By consolidating fragmented knowledge into a single applied framework, this project will provide a foundation for more informed, collaborative, and sustainable Via Ferrata development while offering practical value for destinations considering new Via Ferrata routes, operators refining existing products, and land managers balancing access, safety, and ecological integrity.

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Results of this study will support land managers, destination organisations, service providers, and professional associations by offering a clearer understanding of Via Ferrata as a distinct recreational product. The findings are intended to inform sustainable route development, risk management practices, partnership development, and long-term planning in an era of increasing visitation pressures and climate uncertainty.

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The objectives of this study include: mapping existing academic and industry research on Via Ferrata globally; identifying regional patterns, dominant themes, and research gaps within the published academic and industry Via Ferrata Literature, documenting industry and management perspectives on Via Ferrata development in North America, and proposing a future research agenda to support sustainable Via Ferrata planning and management at a global level.

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Project Co-Leads: Dr. Harvey Lemelin and Dr. Kelsey Johansen

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Academic Publications: Coming Soon!​​