Initially, the Forest Service noted that the entire Via Ferrata route needed redoing, which would have cost $60,000 to $250,000. However, reassessments brought the cost down to around $20,000.

On via ferratas, climbers use permanently-installed iron rungs and cables to ascend soaring cliffs without the need to carry heavy rock climbing gear. Want to try one? Here's what you need to know.

Now, there are via ferrata routes all over the Alps and the U.S. After Telluride installed theirs in 2007, they've gained more and more popularity in ski areas around the U.S.

1. Telluride, CO Telluride's via ferrata is one of the most famous and oldest in the U.S. The route is technically called the Kroger Via Ferrata after the local iron worker who installed the rungs ...

Via Ferrata dates back to World War I, when troops used it to transport men and material. Fox31 went to Arkansas Valley Adventures in Idaho Springs to give it a try.

Via Ferrata dates back to World War I, when troops used it to transport men and material. Fox31 went to Arkansas Valley Adventures in Idaho Springs to give it a try.