GILMAN GORGE VIA FERRATA
Recreation For Good
The Gilman Gorge Via Ferrata is an extraordinary new recreational resource for Eagle County, and an important part of ECCC’s long-term vision.
Outdoor recreation creates tremendous value in mountain communities. Too often, much of that value is extracted for the benefit of private ownership. ECCC is building a different model.
The Gilman Gorge Via Ferrata is a nonprofit recreational enterprise. Revenue supports the operation and care of the Via Ferrata, but the value it creates beyond those needs returns to ECCC’s mission - funding education, climbing access, stewardship, and community programs throughout Eagle County. That is Recreation for Good.
Adventure With a Broader Purpose
Education is at the heart of ECCC’s mission. We use climbing and outdoor experiences to help young people encounter challenge, build confidence, solve problems, work together, and develop skills that extend beyond recreation.
The Via Ferrata’s larger role is to help make it possible.
A visitor can come to Gilman Gorge simply for an exceptional mountain experience, while knowing that the revenue generated by that experience helps create educational and outdoor opportunities throughout the community - especially for those who have not traditionally had access to them.
Excellence in Safety
We are committed to building the safest Via Ferrata in North America. Our engineering and construction follow the European Via Ferrata Standard (FprEN 16869), which outlines the requirements for anchor spacing, cable systems, progression elements, and environmental considerations. Operationally, we adhere to ASTM F2959, the U.S. aerial adventure standard that governs installation, inspections, staff training, and rescue readiness. We also benchmark our staffing, closures, and user-monitoring practices against the proven operational models used across North America, ensuring a modern, transparent, and highly reliable safety framework.
SUPPORT NOW
The Gilman Gorge Via Ferrata is far more than an adventure route; it is the financial engine that powers ECCC’s youth education and stewardship programs. Because of our 501 (c) (3) framework, all revenue will directly support outdoor education, social-emotional learning programs, community climbing access, and local conservation work, ensuring the benefits extend far beyond recreation.
If you believe in expanding youth access to the outdoors and want to help bring the full Gilman Gorge Via Ferrata to life, please consider contributing directly to the development of Phases 2 and 3. Your support accelerates construction and ensures that this world-class public amenity and the educational programs it sustains continue to grow.
