High ropes courses
Climbing aficionados of all ages
Balancing, swinging, moving hand over hand, climbing, sliding. All movements that you can do almost intuitively in the Ötztal high ropes courses. Several difficulty levels make this experience available to older kids and teenagers as well as experienced climbing fans. And hey, you are secured all the time: feel free to take a look over the edge of the ropes course!
High ropes course Längenfeld
High above Längenfeld’s valley basin, this flying fox rope course clings to the rugged rocks of the mountain landscape. The single sections of the route with via ferrata stages, fun-packed elements and abseiling stretches fit almost seamlessly into the surroundings. You can't get more adventure, nature and views! The whole thing is topped only by the three zip lines (flying foxes) covering a length of up to 80 meters. It literally means that you whizz from one steep rock face to the next, with nothing under your feet but stone, rubble and spruce trees.
High ropes course AREA 47
Bet you have never seen a high ropes course like this before, or even climbed one? This one in Austria's largest outdoor adventure park at AREA 47, dangles at a height of 27 meters between two giant bridge pillars. You won't find a higher challenge anywhere in Austria, nor a more exciting one. A total of 138 elements such as swinging tree trunks, Tarzan ropes, a huge bike or flying skateboard put your balance and daring to the test.
Frequently asked questions
A high ropes course is a route made up of artificial obstacles that are connected by varied elements. This unique climbing world, built with wooden beams, steel cables, ropes and the like, sometimes can be found at a considerable height above the ground - therefore all participants must be belayed.
If the course fits into an already existing forest and practically leads from tree to tree, one speaks of a "forest ropes park", "forest ropes garden" or "climbing forest". For example, the Ötztal Outdoor Course is a combination of a high ropes course and a forest ropes course.
The one and only rule is: make sure you wear sturdy shoes. Comfortable sports shoes are sufficient if you want to tackle high ropes courses like the one at AREA 47 in Ötztal. However, outdoor or hiking shoes with non-slip soles are better suited. Especially when you conquer a forest course in the middle of nature such as the Ötztal Outdoor Course or the Längenfeld Ropes Course. Make sure the laces are tied tightly and not hanging down. Sandals, flip-flops and similar footwear that do not deserve this name are taboo.
In many high ropes courses weight restrictions apply for safety reasons. Usually, people up to around 120 kilograms are allowed and the minimum height is around 1.20 meters. It goes without saying that people who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not allowed to access the climbing course. When choosing the high ropes course, look for trustworthy, experienced providers who obviously care about your safety. In Ötztal you will find several high ropes courses that combine breathtaking natural scenery, sporty action and strict safety measures.
Accidents in high ropes courses do occur, but in the majority of cases they can be avoided. Quite often, carelessness on the part of the climber leads to the fact that he is incorrectly or not at all hooked into the safety ropes. There are also accidents caused by defective material.
The most important preventive measure is a detailed safety briefing before you start the climbing tour. The trained and certified guides explain how the belts and safety systems work according to strict standards - ideally in a practice course so that the participants can actively try the handling of equipment. Additionally, the guides also explain the code of conduct and the entire route of the course from climbing the platforms to the last step at the very end.
In Ötztal’s high rope courses you can be sure that they meet the highest safety requirements. The safety & belaying systems are ingenious, every detail is checked regularly, the rental equipment for all participants is constantly exchanged - you won't find frayed belts and battered helmets here. In addition, the certified guides will provide you with all the assistance you need along the way and will also accompany you through all the ups and downs - mentally and in real life.
Actually, nothing but sporty, comfortable clothing and a little courage! Special previous experience is not required. It is sufficient that you are healthy and have an average fitness level because many courses represent a mental challenge even more than a sporting hurdle. Restrictions can result, for example, from the size of climbing harnesses which reach their limits when it comes to a certain body size. In order to guarantee the safety of all participants, the high ropes courses in Ötztal require a minimum age and a maximum weight.
In the high ropes course at AREA 47, for example, children from the age of 12 and 1.20 meters of height can take part in tours while the maximum weight is 120 kilograms. In the Ötztal Outdoor Course the minimum age is 10 years and a height of 140 cm is required. The Längenfeld Flying Fox & Ropes Course can also be tackled with older kids and teenagers.
Sporty, comfortable, elastic clothing and sturdy shoes with non-slip soles are the best prerequisites for a successful high ropes course tour. Don't forget your sweater in cooler temperatures and always take sun protection with you on hot days. You'd better tie long hair in a braid. You should also remove jewelry, watches and piercings before climbing so that you cannot get stuck. Objects that could endanger yourself or other climbers are not allowed either, for example bottles, keys, cell phones or cameras.
Special tip: When choosing your outfit, keep in mind that clothes should be robust and are likely to get dirty. Better leave your favorite chic shirt at home and enjoy the adventure by ignoring (fashionable) accessories.