Operation Hook II

Operation Hook II was a Small Scale Collaborative Partnership in Sport where diverse organizations joined to create positive impact through shared goals and cooperative efforts. The initiative aimed to foster inclusivity and expand organizational capacity to engage young participants, particularly those facing fewer opportunities, using Via Ferrata as a tool for social inclusion.

The project organized one international safety training course and more than 30 local via ferrata activities across 13 locations in 5 countries — bringing together 300+ participants and creating lasting capacity within partner organizations to run safe and inclusive outdoor events.

Key Results

Events

30+

Participants

300+

Locations

13

Countries

5

Educational Videos

A series of tutorial videos explaining basic safety concepts in via ferrata were created as preparation materials for participants:

EP. 1 – Equipment and how to use it

Climbing harnesses, carabiners, and essential gear.

EP. 2 – Basic Safety Rules in Via Ferrata

Safety dos and don’ts for secure experiences.

EP. 3 – Emergency Situation – helping someone

Guidance on assisting teammates during crises.

EP. 4 – Emergency Situation – helping yourself

Self-rescue techniques and safety tips.

Activities

Within Operation Hook II, we organized several activities, including one international mobility — a training course on safety in via ferrata — and many local via ferrata activities.

International Training — Slovakia

The international safety training course brought together participants from all five partner countries to develop skills in organizing safe via ferrata activities.

Local Activities by Country

The project reached communities across all five partner countries through a series of local via ferrata events adapted to each location’s terrain and demographics:

Slovakia — Via Ferrata Skalka, Via Ferrata in Zobor (Nitra), Via Ferrata Dve veže I & II

Portugal — Via Ferrata Serra das Talhadas, Via Ferrata Póvoa do Lanhoso, Via Ferrata Pombeira (Castro Daire), Via Ferrata Castelo de Vide, Via Ferrata Teto do Mundo, Rabaçal Ecovia Adventure

Czech Republic — Via Ferrata Vír I, II & III

Hungary — Via Ferrata Megyer-Hegyi, Via Ferrata Mór, Via Ferrata Felsőtárkány, Via Ferrata Cuha Valley, Via Ferrata Csesznek

Romania — Via Ferrata Izvoare I & II, Via Ferrata Cheile Varghișului

Photo Gallery

Results

The project created lasting capacity within partner organizations to organize safe and inclusive via ferrata events. By combining educational video resources with hands-on local activities, Operation Hook II equipped youth workers and volunteers with the skills to continue engaging young people — especially those with fewer opportunities — through outdoor sport long after the project ended.