An easy route without any difficulties of orientation and objective dangers (falling rocks, poor-quality rock, etc.). The ascent and descent are usually unproblematic. Along the route there are refuges or other possibilities, like bivouacs, where you can find a hiding place in case of sudden change of the weather or other unexpected occurrences. In addition, there is the possibility to abort easily the tour. A basal physical condition, moderate mountaineering experience and surefootedness are the prerequisite to do this route.
Route of median complexness. Ascent and descent require a certain sense of direction, occasionally along this route you can find objective dangers (field of old snow in the early summer months, heightened danger of falling rocks in case of numerous mountaineers, etc.). There is a limited possibility to find a shelter (refuges or bivouacs) and the it is not possible to abort the tour without any problems. A late start, a slowly continue, a sudden change of the weather or an accident can have on this route serious consequences. A good physical condition, a good surefootedness as well as mountaineering experience and stable weather are the basic precondition to do this route.
Complex route, only for practised and experienced mountaineers. Long ascent and descent, which require a good sense of direction, exposed and not saved passages as well as easy climbing parts and partly also solitude characterize these routes. You have to watch out especially for objective dangers, like falling rocks, fields of old snow, wetness etc. There is no possibility to abort the tour or to find a hiding place (refuges or bivouacs). A late start, a slowly continue, a sudden change of the weather or an accident can have disastrous consequences. A perfect physical condition, absolutely surefootedness, a good mountaineering experience as well as the right equipment and absolutely good and stable weather are the basic preconditions for this route.
At the itinerary planning you should consider not only the difficult of the Via Ferrata, but also the total length of the route. It is a huge difference, if you need extremely strength on 100 meters difference of altitude or on 500 meters. Besides you should include also the geographical positions of the individual ascents. High alpine ascents differ by many factors from a Via ferrata of the same difficulty in the lower locations (weather activity, temperature, height, solitude, long ascend and descent).