To experience a unique activity of climbing the thrilling Alpine mountain range, The Luxury Travel Guide recommends you visit the spectacular via ferrata routes of Annecy.  This activity involves wearing a harness that attaches you to metal supports placed deep in the mountain rock – once safely attached, you can make your way across metal ladders and bridges suspended above the alpine scenery. 
 
These routes were first created in the First World War by soldiers, who used via ferratas for making hidden journeys between countries and transporting supplies.  Since then, these interesting routes have grown popular with hikers worldwide and each hundreds of travellers climb via ferratas for the ultimate thrill of moving freely around a mountain. 
 
Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or expert, any adult who is physically fit and active can participate in this activity, but it’s advised you take extreme caution in which particular via ferrata you climb.  The routes in the Alps have been ranked from Peu Difficile (little difficulty) to Extrémement Difficile (extreme difficulty.) whilst many via ferratas are off limits to children, there are some easier routes in Annecy that welcome children eager to try something new. 
 
To ensure you have the safest experience in this exhilarating activity, it is essential wear appropriate foot wear and a helmet, which can be hired from many via ferrata specialists.  Summer is the best time for this activity as the weather is more stable; as some routes are closed during the winter, the warmer months also provide the greatest chance of witnessing the natural beauty of the mountains as you retrace the steps of soldiers from years back.  

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