Skigebiet Schnalstal

The mountain pasture Mastaun (open from the beginning of May to the end of October) is in the eponymous high mountain valley that branches off near Madonna di Senales/Unser Frau west of the Schnalstal Valley and extends up to a crown of 3000 m-peaks. A stream of crystal-clear water runs through the valley. The farmstead Mastaunhof, to which the mountain pasture belongs, was recorded in documents as early as 1356 and is one of the largest farms in the Schnalstal Valley. The pastures surrounding the mountain passture are unusually well-tended and simply magnificent. There are indications that many centuries ago the mountain pasture Mastaun was already in operation all year round.

The circular route starts and ends in Katharinaberg. It runs over meadows, through forests and along a section of the road, but promises a pleasant walk with wonderful views.

The entire Merano High Mountain Trail (no. 24), one of the most stunning trails in the entire Alpine region, is 100 km in length, requires four to six days of hiking and is accessible from the beginning of July to the end of September (depending on the snow situation). At a relatively consistent altitude, this trail connects, to an extent, the high mountain climate of the Texel Group and the sub-Mediterranean climate of the Etschtal Valley. The hike through the various segments gives us a good insight into the world of the mountain farmers who worked to create and maintain this mountain and cultural landscape over the centuries.

Surrounded by a beautiful larch and Swiss stone pine forest, the 2019 new construated Lafetzalm hut lies at 2,015 m above sea level. After the ascent through the idyllic natural landscape, you will experience breathtaking views on the Similaun, the Ötztal Alps and the place of discovery of Ötzi, the Iceman.

A delightful scenic circuit of the lake requiring some concentration.

An extremely interesting and beautiful trail through Pfossental valley, part of the Texelgruppe Nature Park. This is the largest nature park in South Tyrol and if you’re lucky, you’ll see some of the fauna that lives here.

The ski lift is situated in the valley, next to the valley station of the cable car. It brings you up to two easy ski runs (blue) - ideal for beginners.

Starting point: Certosa/Karthaus (1,327 m a.s.l)
Ascent: 1,653 m elevation gain, 4.5 hours
Best time: April and May

Together with the Kleinen Wiegenspitze that is situated slightly northwards, the Hohe Wiegenspitze rises between the Mastauntal and the Penaudtal valleys. Follow the trail from Certosa/Karthaus into the Penaudtal valley, as in ski tours to the Grubenspitze, the Vermoi Peak and and the Mountain Zerminiger. At mountain pasture Penaud (2,319 m a.s.l), take a right and follow the rather steep but sunny southern slope upwards to the summit. You can descend either by the same route or through the Mastauntal valley (ski tour to the Hohe Wiegenspitze from Madonna di Senales/Unser Frau).

For practised skiers.

 

Route A

Starting point: Maso Corto/Kurzras, car park (2,011 m a.s.l)
Ascent: 1,728 m elevation gain, 6-7 hours
Best time: March to May

This tour is difficult alone due to the difference in elevation. From Maso Corto/Kurzras along the Sommerweg (summer path as far as the bridge; then in each case take a right into the Steinschlagtal Valley. Climb up through the valley, which is narrow at the start but then widens out. Head towards the north-west, cross the Steinschlagferner glacier and cross over through Quellenjoch pass to the Matscherferner glacier; or at 2,900 m a.s.l, veer right over steep slopes to the ridge where you reach the traces of the Hintereisfern glacier. Moving further north, you arrive at the Hintereisjoch pass where you can climb the Weißkugel by the south ridge. You can only reach the secondary summit with skis. The climb to the 30 m high main summit is very exposed. You can descend either by the same route or by the Bella Vista route (Route B).

Only for good and very fit touring skiers with Alpine experience.

Route B

Starting point: Maso Corto/Kurzras, mountain station Grawand (3,212 m a.s.l) or Refuge Bella Vista (2,842 m a.s.l – with overnight stay)
Ascent: 1,150 m elevation gain, 5 hours
Best time: March to the beginning of May

The tour starts at the Hintereis chair lift mountain station. The trail continues diagonally westwards, beneath the Im Hinter Eis mountain (3,270 m a.s.l) to the ridge shoulder at 3,163 m a.s.l. Downhill to the Hintereisferner glacier as far as the trail that comes up from Vent. Arrive at Hintereisjoch pass having passed over the flat Hintereisferner glacier, from there northwards and over the south ridge to the secondary summit of the Weißkugel. You can descend by the same route or by the route described in Route A or C.

For good skiers with Alpine experience

Route C

Starting point: Maso Corto/Kurzras, mountain station chairlift Teufelsegg (3,034 m a.s.l)
Ascent: 1,000 m elevation gain, 4 hours
Best time: March to the beginning of May

with the construction of the chairlift Teurelsegg, the tour to the Weisskugel peak is mainly started from there. The disadvangage, however, is that many tourers usually start at the same time. The ascent is via Teurelsegg (3,227 m a.s.l) from there short descent to the Hintereisferner. Via the flat Hintereisferner you reach the Hintereisjoch (3,471 m a.s.l). From there turning north, overcoming the steep mud wall and over the south degree to te pre-peak of the Weißkugel (there is a skidepot). To the 30 m main summit one reaches an exposed degree. The descent is the same as the ascent route and then back down to the valley via the slopes, both routes variant A an B for good skiers with alpine experience.

This archaeological trail begins with a ride on the glacier train from Maso Corto/Kurzras to the summit station, then there’s a short climb to Grawand and its imposing summit cross; it passes over the ridge and drops down to the small Finailsee lake, goes on to the Finailhof farm, once the highest grain farm in the region, passes unhurriedly by Raffeinhof farm to Tisenhof farm and then into the village of Vernago/Vernagt with its wonderful dam and reservoir.

The castle of the Noblemen of Senales once stood where the parish church of Monte Santa Caterina/Katharinaberg now stands with its tower reaching for the heavens was once. However, the Carthusians had it destroyed in 1350. In earlier times, there was a proto-historic human settlement here. A Bronze Age sickle element with silica and Iron Age ceramic artefacts are proof that this area has been used for thousands of years. It would appear that a pre-historic trail ran along here coming up from Vinschgau.

For centuries now, the inhabitants of St. Martin im Kofel, located above Laces/Latsch, have been making the pilgrimage over the Niederjöchl pass (2,662 m a.s.l) to the pilgrimage site of Madonna di Senales/Unser Frau, in order to pray together with the people of Senales for a good harvest.

A hike with amazing views of probably the oldest meadows in South Tyrol

Section of the Archaeological Trail A 7 - The Archaeological Hiking Map with additional information is available free of charge at the archeoParc Schnalstal or at the Tourism Office Schnalstal Valley

This beautiful trail circuit is challenging but definitely worthwhile.

This challenging trail route is suitable for experienced and particularly sure-footed runners.

The tour on "historical traces" is a challenging trail running tour, past centuries-old farms, the burnt-down old Heilbronn hut and the reservoir built in the 1960s.

In the newly designed Kinderland, kids can enjoy their first experiences on skis. Equipped with an Indian “teepee” tent, two magic carpets, and a ski carousel, the playground in the snow provides an ideal area for kids to romp around on.

Route A

Starting point: Maso Corto/Kurzras, Koflhof farm (1,938 m a.s.l)
Ascent: 1,497 m elevation gain, 5 hours
Best time: December to May

To the south, the Saldurkamm mountains sweep down towards the Schlandrauntal valley, to the west towards Matschertal valley and to the north towards Maso Corto/Kurzras over the Lagaunalm Mountain Hut. The tour to the Saldurspitze is quite challenging but spectacular. The ascent starts at Koflhof farm (0.7 km before Kurzras) and takes you through the Lagauntal Valley. From the uppermost section here, continue upwards and to the right through the steep tunnel valley to the Lagaun glacier and then northwards until you are beneath the Saldurspitze. A short, steep tunnel valley connects the southern ridge of the mountain with the glacier.

You can descend by the same route (moderately difficult), or by the steep north-east wall and the Lazaun Mountain Hut to Maso Corto/Kurzras (difficult).

For good skiers with Alpine experience

Route B

Starting point: Maso Corto/Kurzras, car park (2,011 m a.s.l)
Ascent: 1,424 m elevation gain, 5 hours
Best time: December to May

To the south, the Saldurkamm mountains sweep down towards the Schlandrauntal valley, to the west towards Matschertal valley and to the north towards Maso Corto/Kurzras over the Lagaunalm Mountain Hut. The tour starts on the mountain station of the Lazaun cable car. From the mountain station Lazaun, we continue on the level and then follow the slight incline up to the Lagaunferner glacier. This is the way to the Saldurjoch pass; there is a ski depot here. On foot over the north ridge to the summit. In good weather conditions, you can start the climb to the summit before the Saldurjoch pass taking the steep north flank. You can only descend by this route (difficult) if weather conditions are good.

For good skiers with Alpine experience

 

The tour panoramic mountain Nock offers variety for well-trained trail runners.

The looped trail around the lake is well worth the effort because a pastoral pathway runs directly along the waterfront and is, of course, particularly beautiful from about mid-July when the reservoir is full. In the winter, water is released from the reservoir to generate electricity and, depending on the water level, the tower of the immersed church may be visible. There are some photos on display in the chapel in Vernagt of the flooded plain and farms.

The Via Monachorum, also referred to as “Silentium“ (Path of tranquillity) connects the villages of Madonna di Senales/Unser Frau and Monte S. Caterina/Katharinaberg with Certosa/Karthaus. There was a historic monastery there, founded by the Carthusian monks in the 14th century.  Dressed in their white robes, the monks lived in silence. Some large parts of the monastery walls have been preserved, as are the Gothic cloister and the former monastery kitchen. There are a number of plaques along this themed trail with philosophical quotations relating to tranquillity and silence. The trail is signposted using life-sized figures of monks.

This route follows the forest road, along an old and gradually ascending military route (easy route), with some Alpine terrain (individual snow fields are possible).

The crossing of the Eisjöchl ridge is only advised when the Stettiner Hütte Alpine hut is open (normally between 1 July – end of September, depending on weather conditions). Information about the opening hours can be obtained from the Schnalstal Valley tourist office or the Passeiertal Valley tourist office, which can  also inform you about current conditions on the ridge.

The Stettiner Hütte was swept away by an avalanche in 2013/14. It was rebuilt in 2020/2021 and has been open again since summer 2022.

Hiking time:
Eishof–Eisjöchl–Stettiner Hütte · 3 hours
Stettiner Hütte–Plan · 3 hours

(4 hours ascent)

Total hiking time: about 6-7h

The untouched Lagauntal, one of the most beautiful valleys in South Tyrol, and the mountain pasture Bergl are also a popular place of excursions in winter. You hike through a snowy, idyllic high mountain landscape with extensive larch forests.

This challenging Skyrace Trail takes you to the most beautiful places in the Schnalstal Valley from Unser Frau (1,500 metres above sea level) to the IceManÖtziPeak viewing platform at 3,251 metres above sea level. 

Starting point: Mountain station Grawand (3,212 m a.s.l) or Refuge Bella Vista (2,842 m a.s.l)
Ascent: 700 m elevation gain, 3 hours
Best time: November to May

Descend to the edge of the right-hand tongue of the Hochjoch glacier at approx. 2,700 m a.s.l. Follow the hilly moraine ridges rising diagonally eastwards until you come to a short, steep slope and the edge of the glacier. The trail continues over a wide but rather flat glacier to Hauslabjoch pass at 3,279 m a.s.l with spectacular views. From this point, you already have an unimpeded view of the Ötzi pyramid. After a short downhill trek you come to the stone pyramid at 3,210 m a.s.l. Descend using the same route and then the valley trail to Maso Corto/Kurzras.

For intermediate level skiers with Alpine experience

 

Wonderful high alpine circular trail with marvellous views over glaciers and peaks from Austria to the Dolomites.

This tour, that can be done from early spring to late autumn, depending on the weather, takes us along the highest grain farm in Europe. Grain was cultivated at this altitude right up to the second half of the last century, when the construction of the dam and reservoir also changed the climate of the Schnalstal Valley. There are archaic structures along this trail that have only changed slightly during the development of mountain farming over thousands of years.

The high mountain valley has always been an important crossing from Laces/Latsch and Kastelbello/Kastellbell in Vinschgau Valley, where there were already settlements during the Copper Age, as seen with the menhir in Latsch. Recent archaeological finds in the ground around the Penaudalm Mountain Hutand the old mountain farm suggest that this area had been used as a hunting ground not only since the Mesolithic Age but that the high plateau already had a seasonal settlement from the Bronze Age on. We are still waiting for the results of analyses to see if the buildings discovered were connected to milk processing, that is to say, cheese production.

Starting point: Certosa/Karthaus (1,327 m a.s.l)
Ascent: 1,780 m elevation gain, 5-6 hours
Best time: December to May

A nice double summit as a south-westerly cornerstone between the Penaudtal Valley and the Schlandrauntal Valleys. Ascent from Certosa/Karthaus through the Penaudtal Valley as far as Mountain pasture Penaud (2,319 m a.s.l). Initially climbing more to the right through the little valley, then more to the left towards the Zerminiger gap (2,850 m a.s.l) that is located between Roßkopf (2,891 m a.s.l) and Zerminiger (right). Now, continue either westwards towards the easily reached Westgipfel (3,059 m a.s.l) with a summit cross or northwestwards to the main summit, where you will finally have to remove your skis. The descent is more or less the same as the ascent.

For good skiers.

Challenging Alpine tour, which leads via the Similaunhütte mountain hut to the discovery site of the famous “iceman”.