Winter hiking in South Tyrol

Circular hike to the head of the valley in the Val Casies/Gsiesertal Valley 

Starting Point: Val Casies/Gsiesertal Valley – S. Maddalena, Head of the valley, Parish church (1400 m)
Distance: 6 km
Descent: circular hike
Walking time: 01:50 h
Difficulty: medium
Difference in altitude: 175 m
Information: Depending on weather conditions: with freshly fallen snow only accessible with snow shoes.

Hike from S. Martino to the Karbacher Tal Valley

Starting point: Val Casies/Gsiesertal Valley – S. Martino, tourist information office (1276 m) or Karbacherhof farm (1425 m)
Distance: 5 km
Descent: same way as ascent
Walking time: 01:50 h
Difficulty: medium
Difference in altitude: 391 m S. Martino | 242 m maso Karbacherhof
Tobogganing possibility: no
Information: Depending on weather conditions: with freshly fallen snow in parts only accessible with snow shoes.

The panoramic street of the Val Casies Valley

Starting point: Val Casies/Gsiesertal Valley – S. Maddalena, Head of the valley (1465 m)
Distance: 16,5 km
Descent: using public transport
Walking time: 05:00 h
Difficulty: easy
Difference in altitude: 200 m
Tobboganing possibility: no
Information: Depending on weather conditions: with freshly fallen snow only accessible with snow shoes.

Route: from the car park at Kalterer See lake, continue north to the Geier restaurant. Behind the restaurant, a narrow trail leads to the north into the orchards. Walk along these and turn off to the right in an easterly direction following the markers. At the slope on the eastern side of the valley, turn right, passing by the hotel on the left to the Klughammer road. First follow this road, then continue on a trail above the road.

This trail ends at the southern end of the lake. Cross the road to join the Nature Discovery Trail (Naturerlebnisweg). At the end of this nature trail, turn right onto the so-called Kuchlweg trail, hiking to the vineyards on the western side of the valley. Just before the wine road, turn right into the trail through the field, following it until you reach the point where the wine road curves to the right. Cross over and now follow a trail through the field once more. Then follow the footpath next to the wine road to the church of San Giuseppe al Lago/St. Josef am See (Kirche St. Josef). Take the farm track to the right back to the starting point of the hike.

Along the shores of the Rienza river to the Salla hamlets

Starting point: Monguelfo-Tesido – Monguelfo, tourist information office (1087 m)
Distance: 6 km
Descent: circular hike
Duration: 03:45 h
Difficulty: medium
Difference in altitude: 180 m
Possibility of sledding: no

The newly built Timmelsalm is located in the middle of a wide depression above the tree line, nestled between numerous three-thousand-metre peaks. The beautiful alpine pasture with its cozy terrace offers nature lovers a fantastic view of the Ötztal mountain giants. The ascents to the Hofmannspitze, Müllerhütte, Wilden Freiger and Becherhaus also lead directly past the alpine pasture. The Timmelsalm is one of the so-called "Gerichtsalmen" of the Passeier Valley. This is where the people of Passiria are allowed to bring their animals to spend the summer in the mountains. In early summer, sheep and goats are the first to arrive, followed by milking cows for the alpine pasture and galt cattle, i.e. young cows or those that do not produce milk.

Hiking and sledding fun at “Hubi”

Starting point: a) Val Casies/Gsiesertal Valley – S. Maddalena, Head of the valley (1465 m) b) Val Casies/Gsiesertal Valley – S. Maddalena, “Huben” cottages
Distance: a) 3,3 km b) 3,8 km
Descent: along the ascending route
Walking time: a) 01:30 - 02:00 h b) 01:15 h – 01:30 h
Difficulty: a) medium b) easy
Difference in altitude: a) 485 m b) 410 m
Tobboganing possibility: yes / medium difficulty
Information: also feasible with snowshoes or touring skis | Tip: Snowshoe hike from Calsale "Huben (limited parking available) along Pfinn stream possible (01:00 h)

A hike along Ried, Lettner, Waldbrunn and Gailerhof and back to Welsberg

Starting point: Monguelfo-Tesido – Monguelfo, bus stop in the Via Stazione 1087 m
Distance: round hike of ca. 5 km
Hiking time: 2 hours
Level of difficulty: medium to difficult
Altitude difference: 144 m

The Knottnkino (Knott meaning rock, kino meaning cinema) is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Vöran/Verano and is located upon the Rotstein Knott mountain. In the seats made from steel and chestnut wood designed and positioned by the artist Franz Messner from Ritten/Renon, one can enjoy unique views of the Texelgrupperange all the way to Penegal mountain and the Weißhorn peak, as though sitting comfortably in a cinema. But the film is always changing in the Knottnkino: daily, hourly, with the time of day and the changing of the season, with the climate and weather, there is always something new to see...

Panoramic family hike on the Schennaberg to the Rastlhof Farm. Rastlhof Farm is a paradise for animals alike: cats, ponies, a Bernese mountain dog and Highland cattle live on this farm!

Take the cable car and the chair lift up. About sunny plateaus teaseling Bühel on Vigiljoch. The road (Mark. 4) leads slightly downhill to the west, crosses the path of a small ski lift and leads between the inn and the church of St. Jocher.

From there you follow the markings 9-30 in moderate ascents through the forests to the south and southwest. From a large clearing, which can be reached on the southern edge, suddenly the rough Bühel is right diagonally forward to identify on which (unfortunately) are an antenna system and a hunter high level. The direct descent to Naturnser Alm is possible, but more difficult. The short descent back to the gate and the circumnavigation is also the next hilltop, where you a beautifully located plateau crossed by the north (Mark. 9B) and short to Naturnser Alm (no winter) descends.

From Naturnser Alm it's off to Mark. 30 in the north-east mainly through forest back to San Vigilio.

This hike leads to one of the most beautiful high plateaus in South Tyrol in the heart of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies nature park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plätzwiese high plateau fascinates with an overwhelming view of the surrounding mountains of the Dolomites. Dominating everything is the northernmost 3000 metre peak in the Dolomites - the Hohe Gaisl (3146m).

Please note: Due to the temperature fluctuations, there may be icy patches on the trails and we therefore recommend the use of crampons!

Beautiful circular hike with spectacular panoramic views above Kastlruth.

Hiking fun for all ages

Starting point: Val Casies/Gsiesertal Valley – S. Maddalena, Head of the valley (1465 m)
Distance: 3,5 km
Descent: along the ascending route
Walking time: 01:10 h
Difficulty: easy
Difference in altitude: 239 m
Tobogganing possibility: yes / easy difficulty
Information: also feasible with snowshoes or touring skis

For winterlovers

Starting point: Val Casies/Gsiesertal Valley – S. Maddalena, Head of the valley (1465 m)
Distance: 0,5 km
Descent: along the ascending route
Walking time: 00:10 h
Difficulty: easy
Difference in altitude: 12m
Tobogganing possibility: no
Information: Directly at the cross country track

The Knottnkino is a lookout point. It's outfitted with thirty cinema seats, where the hikers can take a seat and enjoy the unique experience: nature as cinema. The site overlooks the whole of the Adige Valley so visitors enjoy stunning views that encompass the Texel Mountains, Mount Penegal, and even Weißhorn farther afield.

Excursion on the sunny side of the valley

Starting point: Val Casies/Gsiesertal Valley – Colle, parish church (1260 m)
Distance: 5 km
Descent: Circular route
Walking time: 01:30 h
Difficulty: easy
Difference in altitude: 120 m
Tobogganing possibility: no

An easy family hike to the Hiaslbauer Mountain Inn in the idyllic mountain hamlet of Videgg. Videgg is an old hamlet at an altitude of 1,500 meters. This charming hamlet consists of a little church, mountain inns and a few farms.

An afternoon hike

Starting point: Val Casies/Gsiesertal Valley – S. Maddalena, Head of the valley (1465 m)
Distance: 2,5 km
Descent: circular hike
WalkingTime: 00:50 h
Difficulty: easy
Difference in altitude: 102 m
Tobboganing possibility: no
Information: Depending on weather conditions: partially only accessible with snow shoes.

Very easy walk on the "Kirchweg" path with a view over the Pustertal valley.
Starting point: Säge/Segheria (1206 m)

Please note: Due to the temperature fluctuations, there may be icy patches on the trails and we therefore recommend the use of crampons!

This trail is mostly snow-free and offers a magnificent view of the opposite Monte Tramontana mountains with the Stelvio National Park and the snowy Ortler group.

Family friendly hike

Starting point: Val Casies/Gsiesertal Valley – S. Maddalena, Head of the valley (1465 m)
Distance: 3 km
Descent: along the ascending route
Walking time: 01:00 h
Difficulty: easy
Difference in altitude: 195 m
Tobogganing possibility: yes / easy difficulty
Information: also feasible with snowshoes or touring skis

Pleasant hike along the bright side of the Altpragsertal valley.

 Starting point: Untergasse(1140m)                                                                                                    
 Arrival point: Brückele/Ponticello (1491 m)

Please note: Due to the temperature fluctuations, there may be icy patches on the trails and we therefore recommend the use of crampons!

Where you get the most beautiful view of the valley

Starting point: Val Casies/Gsiesertal Valley – S. Maddalena, Head of the valley (1465 m)
Distance: 5 km
Descent: along the ascending route
Walking time: 01:30 – 02:00 h
Difficulty: medium
Difference in altitude: 577 m
Tobboganing possibility: yes
Information: also feasible with snowshoes or touring skis  

A well-known hut with a beautiful view

Starting point: Monguelfo-Tesido – Tesido, parking lot above the mountain farm Mudler (1620 m)
Distance: 4,1 km
Descent: along the ascending route
Walking time: 01:30 h
Difficulty: easy
Difference in altitude: 392m
Tobogganing possibility: yes / difficulty easy
Information: also feasible with snow shoes or touring skis

Short hike at the head of the valley

Starting point: Val Casies/Gsiesertal Valley – S. Maddalena, Head of the valley (1465 m)
Distance: 2 km
Descent: circular hike
Walking time: 00:40 h
Difficulty: easy
Difference in altitude: 80 m
Tobboganing possibility: no

It is a very fine and enjoyable hike for everyone - easy, practical and very beautiful, but the best thing is the view!!!

Family hike starting at the Vigiljoch mountain station, from where numerous hiking trails lead to unique places such as the St. Vigilius church. This hike is particularly beautiful in autumn, when larches and blueberry bushes glow brightly.

The eight stations designed by Oswald Kröss will accompany you and will touch important values of your life.

Italy’s first premium winter trail is located on the Rittner Horn mountain. Along the trail, especially during the descent from the Rittner Horn peak to the Unterhorn inn, you can enjoy panoramic views of the fascinating Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Route: the winter hike begins at the mountain station of the Bergbahn Rittner Horn cable car on the Schwarzseespitze peak. Pass by the Runder Tisch viewpoint and the “Dolomitoskop” on the panoramic trail no. 19 to the Unterhorn inn. Bear left at the Feltuner Hütte mountain hut and continue following the markers up to the Rittner Horn, the highest point. Head via the Alpine pastures down to the Unterhornhaus inn and to the Schwarzenseespitze.

An alternative route for families with children: take only the smaller circular route along the panoramic trail. Walking time: approx 1 hour.

Tip: The easy way to get from Bolzano/Bozen to Soprabolzano/Oberbozen is on the Rittner Seilbahn cable car. Continue on the narrow-gauge railway to Collalbo/Klobenstein. Finally take bus 166 to the valley station of the Bergbahn Rittner Horn cable car.