Here in BorderX, we want to take a fun and light hearted approach to climbing.  Safety is also paramount for fun.  Thus, here are a few simple house rules.

For safety, participants are to:
• Remove all in their trouser pockets when wearing the harness;
• Deposit their bags into the lockers provided on site;
• Refrain from bringing any food or drinks onto the platform;
• Abide by all instructions given by our friendly mountain guides.

Participants should be attired in:
• Short or long sleeve t-shirt;
• Jeans or any other long pants;
• Sports shoes or similar covered footwear.

FAQs

What is the difference between the Experience Climbing Program and the Via Ferrata Trip?
Via Ferrata trip is a climbing activity designed for group participation.  The entire group of climbers will ascend the wall together, so everybody is active at the same time.  The height being climbed is 30m, so it is much higher than any rock climbing wall. For the Experience Climbing session, it is a beginner session of rock climbing, where climbers attempt to scale the wall individually.

What is Via Ferrata?
Via Ferrata, a traditional European mountaineering activity, and Italian for “Iron Way” is a fixed-protection climbing path without the risks associated with unprotected scrambling and climbing. The sport believed to have originated from Italy during World War I as a means of letting Italian troops cross the Dolomites, Via Ferrata has become an accessible adventure sport which empowers unskilled climbers to reach the same peaks as skilled climbers would, using a fixed-protection climbing path made out of a system of cables along the wall.

Is there any age or height limit for the programs?
The minimum age is 8 years old for the Experience Climbing Program. Via Ferrata is now open to participants of at least 10 years of age and 1.3m height. Children below the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult to do the climb.

What is the appropriate attire for the programs?
We would advise you to wear a T-shirt and ¾ pants (or longs) to prevent any abrasion from rubbing against the wall surface or climbing harness.  Any comfortable sports/adventure shoes will be fine as well.

Which of the programs are for beginners?
Both the Via Ferrata Trip and the Experience Climbing Program are suitable for beginners. Those who have never tried any form of climbing before are definitely welcome to try the programs at BorderX as the wall is specially designed for anybody to experience the thrills of climbing.

Is the Via Ferrata safe?
Yes, we have two separate safety systems used on the via ferrata.  On top of these, our mountain guides will ascend the wall together with participants.  They will be within earshot and willing to lend a helping hand at all times.

Will there be someone guiding you for the Via Ferrata trip?

Yes, there will be at least one mountain guide (the name given to the instructors here) looking after each group during every Via Ferrata Trip. They are there to help you out when you need their assistance. However you will be getting the opportunity to do the Via Ferrata by yourself as the guides will attend to you only when you need them. These guides are trained to ensure that you make it safely to the top.

Will there be someone teaching you how to climb for the Experience Climbing Program?
Yes, there will be a mountain guide looking after the participants in the Experience Climbing Program. They will teach you how to stay safe by using the auto-belay units. They will also help you figure out how to make it to the top of the climbing lanes. So feel free to approach the mountain guides if you need any tips or assistance during your climb.

Do I need to get someone to belay me for the programs?
No, that is unnecessary. For the Via Ferrata trip, you will be deploying the safety systems yourself and for the Experience Climbing Program, you will be using the automatic-belay system, so there is no belayer required for both programs.

Which is easier, the Via Ferrata Trip or the Experience Climbing Program?
Generally, most people find the rock climbing easier to accomplish as the duration is shorter and less intense.

What if I can’t make it to the top and I want to come down halfway?
We do have various rescue & lowering systems we can deploy if the participants so chooses to come down to the start point midway through a climb.  But before doing so, we will definitely encourage them to keep trying, after all, we also believe in people being able to cross their own borders.

What if I fall?
Should you fall, two separate safety systems are there to break your fall.  Firstly, there is the via ferrata sets with the built in braking systems.  Secondly, there is a safety rope securing climber to climber while concurrently being threaded into the wall.  These two separate systems work in tandem to assure a minimal fall distance.

Can I bring my camera with me to take photos?
Participants are only allowed to bring their camera up to the platform to take photos from the bottom of the wall. Once we begin climbing, we will be focusing on safety so everyone has to leave their camera on the platform.

Can I use my own equipments?
You are recommended to use our harness for the Via Ferrata trip as it comes with the via ferrata sets installed.  Also, the climbing sessions are less than 1 hour, thus we encourage the use of our BorderX supplied harness and helmets.

How many participants can go for the Via Ferrata/ Experience climbing program at a time?
Up to 8 persons can do the Via Ferrata each time. Experience Climbing program can take up to 6 persons per session. Please call us in advance to make a booking.

Is there any discount for big groups?
Groups with 10 or more participants will enjoy a 10% off the walk-in rate for Via Ferrata trips. In addition, the whole wall will be closed just for you. This rate is for weekdays only. Please call to enquire about weekend programmes.

Is the experience climbing program for experienced climbers only?
No, it’s actually a taster session to sport climbing for those who have never tried it before. Thus no experience is required.

Do I have to make advance booking for the programs?
We would recommend you to book in advance for the programs to reserve a spot for yourself especially during the weekends. Walk-in customers are still welcomed but priorities are given to those who did advance booking.

How is this sport played?
Via Ferrata is a variation of sport climbing meant for people of all ages.  Using the via ferrata protection system, non-skilled climbers can now scale great heights!

Is there a cost involved?
Please click here for our entrance fees.

When are the practice sessions? How long is the course for? Where do participants need to go for this activity?
Each Via Ferrata session is approx 1.5 hours long.
Each Experience Climbing session is 1 hour.
Activities are daily from 11am till 10pm. 
To participate, sign up at BorderX, #04-22, Orchard Central.

Will participants obtain a certificate upon completion?
No certificate will be issued at the end of the session.

Are the coaches well-trained?
Coaches are well trained, with a combination of Climbing level 2 certification, Wall Supervisor certification and also our in house via ferrata training courses. We also supplement with First Aid certifications and carry our own first aid kit on site as well.