I climb the ladder and feel a bubble of adrenaline rise in my throat. But whether I’m aware of the true danger, or I possess a certain flare for attempting the unordinary (which happens less often then I’d like), I have little difficulty in crossing the threshold. All three of us begin our climb. The basics: always keep your belt ropes clamped on the safety line running parallel to the metal rungs, and only one person per increment of safety line. This prevents falls for more than 6 feet at once. A comforting thought.

Unhook, reach, lift, hook. Unhook, reach, lift, hook.

The steady rhythm takes on a momentum of its own, almost like meditation. I immediately understand why frequent climbers talk about being “in the moment” while scaling a sheer rocky face. There is little to think about when the mind must navigate an ever changing vertical terrain, constantly readjusting weight here, balancing a foothold there, like deciphering a rubix cube. The minutes drift away and the glacier below grows ever smaller.

Eventually, we arrive at the summit. The clouds part and the sun greets us warmly. We wander among the snow drifts as if emerging into another land, as if explorers entering the gates of Shangri-la. Only there are no gold tapestries, chests of jewels, or eternal youth here, only the satisfaction of conquering a thumbnail of earth on one Saturday morning in September.

~ Via Ferrata is offered in Whistler daily from June 24 through October. This thrilling activity is suitable for guests of all abilities and does not require any special skills or prior experience. All technical equipment is included. Your guide will give detailed instructions on use of equipment and technique for climbing.