This steel cable car is part of the Grosser Donnerkogel (Donnerkogel via ferrata) climbing route. In Italian,via ferrataMeaning “iron way,” this is a route built into the rock face of a cliff, with metal ladders or safety cables to protect the climber. Originally used to support troops during World War II, the term only became popular after mountaineers relied on via ferrata to conquer the Italian Dolomites. Today, via ferrata is considered a tool to assist amateur climbers who want to conquer high and dangerous peaks that their skills do not allow them to reach.
The Donnerkogel via ferrata is one such route, and it is very popular among climbers in Austria. It is rated as “very difficult”, but the reward after conquering it is extremely worthy. At the top, there is a large cross marking the finish line, with a beautiful panoramic view of the Dachstein Glacier, and the crystal clear waters of Lake Gosau in the valley below. Further out, there are panoramic views of the Salzkammergut lake region, and the picturesque scenery of Hallstatt - the village that inspired the setting of Disney's animated film Frozen. And most notably, the experience of climbing across the Sky Ladder -Stairway to Heaven- connecting the two mountain ranges of the Alps and the Grosser Donnerkogel.
The starting point of the ladder is located in the Alps, 700 m above the ground. Part of the Donnerkogel via ferrata, the purpose of building the Sky Ladder is also to support amateur climbers to experience, before conquering higher peaks. Because although from a distance, the ladder looks shaky and dangerous, it still has protective railings and is still a safer path than normal climbing routes.
However, for those who conquer the height for the first time, this is still a big challenge. Jess Dales, a tourist who successfully conquered this ladder, shared: “There is a simple rule but you need to firmly grasp when 'going to heaven': Focus, really focus on each step. No matter what you are doing, moving or standing still, do not look down.”
Jess Dales on Stairway to Heaven
To reach the Sky Ladder, visitors must join a mountain climbing tour to conquer the Alps. The Sky Ladder is the last leg of this journey and also the most attractive point. From the Gablonzer Hütte hut or the Gosaukamm cable car station at the foot of the mountain, visitors will start the route to climb 400 m to the top of the Grosser Donnerkogel pass.
The hike takes about three hours and covers moderate to difficult, flat to rugged terrain. The researchers envision the Sky Ladder as a way to connect people with nature on a level higher than typical mountain climbing.
The creator of Sky Ladder is Heli Putz, an Austrian photographer and guide who earned an international climbing license at the age of 20. Currently, Putz and the Outdoor Leadership group are operating and organizing many mountaineering training courses, as well as accompanying tourists who register for tours to the ladder to "heaven".
Many mountaineering and nature enthusiasts are attracted by this spectacular and challenging experience. Below is a deep abyss and rugged ground hundreds of meters away, above is the deep blue sky that seems to touch the top of your head, that is the scene when you stand on the Stairway to Heaven spanning the Austrian sky.
Journey to conquer "Stairway to Heaven":
