Safety
Our Safety Standards
Via ferrata climbing carries real risk. These are the standards every one of our trips follows.
Permitted and Insured
The Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata requires every commercial guide to be permitted by Uintah County. We operate under that permit and follow all route rules set by the County.
| Permit status | Pending. Issued once insurance is bound |
|---|---|
| Issued by | Uintah County Community Development |
| Permit number | Issued with permit |
| Valid through | Issued with permit |
| Operator | Ashley Gorge Guides LLC |
| Insurance | General liability insurance application in progress |
Client-to-Guide Ratios
Small groups mean your guide can watch every clip and step in fast.
| All trips | 1 guide to 6 guests maximum |
|---|---|
| Groups larger than 6 | A second permitted guide is added |
| Guests under 16 | A parent or legal guardian must be on the trip |
Gear Standards and Inspection
All climbing equipment we provide is certified to European (EN) safety standards for via ferrata and climbing.
EN 958
Via ferrata lanyards
Energy-absorbing lanyards built for via ferrata falls.
EN 12277
Harnesses
Sized and fitted to each guest by the guide.
EN 12492 / UIAA
Climbing helmets
Worn at all times on the route.
Inspection and retirement
- The guide inspects every piece of gear before each trip day and records it in a written inspection log.
- Lanyards are retired by manufacturer lifespan or after any significant fall, whichever comes first.
- Each item is tracked with its purchase date, inspection history and retirement date.
Weather and Closures
- The route is closed in rain or snow, and wet rock and metal are not climbed.
- Trips do not start, or turn around, when lightning or thunderstorms are forecast or observed.
- The guide checks the forecast the evening before and morning of every trip.
- If weather moves in mid-trip, the guide moves the group off the route at the nearest exit and back to the trailhead.
- If we cancel for weather, you get full credit toward a future trip.
Emergency Plan
- Guide carries a stocked first aid kit, a cell phone and a satellite messenger with SOS on every trip.
- Emergency services: 911. Uintah County Sheriff Search and Rescue responds in the gorge.
- Nearest hospital: Ashley Regional Medical Center, 150 W 100 N, Vernal, UT. (435) 789-3342.
- Guide knows the route's exit points and the fastest way back to the trailhead from each section.
- Every trip has a planned return time left with a contact in town. If the group is overdue and cannot be reached, the contact calls 911.
- All incidents, however minor, are written up and reported to our insurer.
Assumption of risk. Via ferrata climbing is a hazardous activity. Falls, rockfall, weather, heat and equipment failure can cause serious injury or death. Our standards reduce, but cannot remove, these risks. All guests sign a participant waiver before climbing. Read our policies.
Ready to climb Ashley Gorge?
Pick a trip and a date. We handle the gear, the instruction and the safety.