If this was April 1st I wouldn't believe the story, but it's true!
Sure it's about time all the old bits of tat were removed and it makes sense that the teams have finally come up with a solution to the fixed rope problem that causes argument every year about who should pay - but a Via Ferrata!!!!
Personally I think it's the next step in over commercialising the mountaineering experience. Mountaineers have managed to overcome the traffic jams at the 1st and 2nd steps for years by careful planning and arranging their schedules with other groups - so why install an artificial aid unless it's to assist the commercial client?
Who's going to be the first to publish a via ferrata guide to the Himalyas?
Seriously though, I'm extremely pissed off at this and wonder if there's any organisation that like minded people can make representations to (eg whoever makes sites World Heritage Sites) to get this idea binned.
Posted: 27/04/2005 at 18:15
