Climbing with children in South Tyrol: family climbing & via ferrata
Children's eyes shining with excitement, proud faces after completing their first climbing route and unforgettable family moments against the backdrop of the Dolomites: that's climbing with children in South Tyrol. With over 95 climbing gardens and family-friendly rock areas, the region offers ideal conditions for your first climbing adventures together. Short approaches, perfectly secured children's routes and mild temperatures create relaxed climbing experiences where fun and safety are the focus.
The best climbing areas for families

The fixed-rope route Speikboden for kids at Speikboden hiking area in Tauferer Ahrntal is an easy pirates route designed for kids from 6-12 years.
Speikboden - Filippo Galluzzi
The fixed-rope route Speikboden for kids at Speikboden hiking area in Tauferer Ahrntal is an easy pirates route designed for kids from 6-12 years.
Speikboden - Filippo Galluzzi
The fixed-rope route Speikboden for kids at Speikboden hiking area in Tauferer Ahrntal is an easy pirates route designed for kids from 6-12 years.
Speikboden - Filippo Galluzzi
The fixed-rope route Speikboden for kids at Speikboden hiking area in Tauferer Ahrntal is an easy pirates route designed for kids from 6-12 years.
Speikboden - Filippo Galluzzi
The fixed-rope route Speikboden for kids at Speikboden hiking area in Tauferer Ahrntal is an easy pirates route designed for kids from 6-12 years.
Speikboden - Filippo GalluzziWhether it's first attempts at bouldering for four-year-olds in safe climbing parks, exciting via ferrata routes for brave schoolchildren or challenging sport climbing routes for teenagers – South Tyrol makes family climbing an experience for all ages. Experienced mountain guides and climbing schools will help you choose your route, while high-quality children's equipment and professional safety technology ensure carefree climbing days. From the sunny rocks of the Vinschgau Valley to the most beautiful rock faces around the Three Peaks, climbing families will find their perfect challenge here – always with a view of the breathtaking mountain world.
Zans climbing garden in Villnöss
The Zanser Alm climbing garden is considered an absolute highlight for families. With its easy to moderately difficult routes (difficulty level 3-6), it offers ideal conditions for beginner climbers. The routes are optimally secured and the short approach makes it particularly child-friendly.
Tisner Auen climbing garden
With its east-facing orientation and climbing routes of varying degrees of difficulty, the Tisner Auen climbing garden is particularly suitable for families with children. The sloping slabs on porphyry rock are technically challenging but also feasible for beginners.
Climbing parks & high ropes courses as an alternative

Before starting the security manager will give you some useful information to enjoy risk-free!
Internet ConsultingFor absolute beginners or in bad weather, there are numerous climbing parks in South Tyrol:
- Ötzi Rope Park in the Schnalstal Valley: high ropes course with different courses for different age groups
- Laas-Allitz high ropes course: natural climbing park in the Vinschgau Valley
- Kaltern Forest Adventure Park: the largest climbing course in South Tyrol
- Kronaction Adventure Park: fun for families at Lake Issinger Weiher
Age-appropriate climbing activities

More than 200 square meters of climbing surface and 180 different routes are offered in the climbing hall in Bozen.
Luca Ferrari - Salewa CubeSouth Tyrol's diverse climbing areas offer the right challenges for every age group: from the first boulder to the challenging Dolomites route.
Children aged 4-7: First steps on the rock
Little climbers can playfully discover their first rock climbing experiences in South Tyrol's climbing parks. On the low boulders of the Zans climbing garden, they can boulder safely and develop their coordination. In family-friendly facilities such as the Kaltern Adventure Park, they learn top rope climbing on easy routes, while playful exercises encourage their natural joy of movement.
Children aged 8-12: developing technique
Schoolchildren venture onto their first real sport climbing routes in South Tyrol's climbing gardens, mastering difficulty levels of 3-5. Easy via ferrata routes such as the one at Speikboden in the Tauferer Ahrntal valley offer exciting first experiences on secured rock. Under the guidance of experienced mountain guides, they learn how to belay themselves and can already tackle climbing tours lasting several hours in the impressive mountain world of the Dolomites.
Young people aged 13 and over: overcoming challenges
Teenagers can reach their full climbing potential in South Tyrol and conquer moderately difficult routes with difficulty levels of 5-7. Challenging via ferrata routes such as the Hoachwool via ferrata near Naturns take them through spectacular landscapes. Multi-pitch tours on classic Dolomite rocks and competition-oriented training in climbing halls such as the Salewa Cube in Bozen or the Rockarena in Meran prepare them for greater alpine adventures.
Safety when climbing with the family
Equipment for children
- Suitable children's climbing harnesses (adjustable)
- Lightweight climbing helmets in children's sizes
- Climbing shoes suitable for children
- Cushioning sets for belaying
Important safety rules
- Never climb without belaying
- Regular equipment checks
- Age-appropriate route selection
- Accompaniment by adults
- Pay attention to weather conditions
The best time for family climbing

The right equipment and correct belaying are important when climbing.
Internet ConsultingThe mild spring and autumn months (March to May and September to October) are particularly suitable for relaxed climbing experiences with children, when temperatures are pleasant and the climbing areas are less crowded. The summer months from June to August offer ideal conditions for higher-altitude climbing areas in the Dolomites, while the warm temperatures are perfect for long days at the climbing park. Autumn climbing offers stable weather conditions and particularly beautiful mountain scenery when the larch forests turn golden.
Mountain guides & climbing schools in South Tyrol
Mountain guides and climbing schools are ideal for safe climbing with the family in South Tyrol. Providers such as Südtirol Alpin and the Drei Zinnen Alpine School offer special courses for children and parents. Taster climbing is perfect for beginners, while multi-day camps help improve technique. Certified guides guarantee professional supervision in climbing gardens such as Zans. This makes a family holiday an unforgettable climbing experience.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can children start climbing?
Children can start climbing in a playful way from the age of 4. At this age, the focus is on fun and exercise rather than athletic performance. Age-appropriate activities and professional supervision are important.
What equipment do children need for climbing?
The basic equipment consists of a suitable children's climbing harness, climbing helmet, climbing shoes and, if necessary, climbing gloves. Many climbing schools and gardens offer rental equipment specifically for children.
Are via ferrata routes suitable for children?
Easy via ferrata routes are suitable for children aged 8 and above, provided they already have climbing experience. Good physical fitness, a head for heights and the right safety equipment are important.