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The Ortles-Cevedale Glaciers

Category
Difficulty
Difficult
Activity time
25:33
Durata in ore
Distance
48.9
Distance in km
A 6 day tour of the Alps, reaching a summit of over 3.000m each day, with a base in one of the welcoming alpine huts.
Trekking among the peaks of the Ortles-Cevedale group in the Stelvio National Park. From Monte Cevedale in the Val Saent to the spectacular glacier Forni. An itinerary taking place along the ancient border between Italy and the Austrian-Hungarian empire and the stage of epic battles which took place in the First World War.

Route info

Difficult
Distance
48.9 km
Activity time
25:33 h.
Uphill Elevation
5192 m
Downhill elevation
4495 m
Physical effort
Scenary
Highest point
3719 m
Lowest point
1598 m
Height difference
2121 m

Copyright

APT Valli di Sole, Peio e Rabbi

Suggestions

A unique and emotional experience at a high altitude of the Val di Sole, Trentino. The thirteen peaks which overlook the Forni glacier characterize the discovery of the most southern part of this mountain group. The panorama, which extends along the south-eastern part of the Alps: the Dolomites, the Bernina group and the Silvretta will provide a feast for your eyes. These peaks were the stage of the Great War.

Safety information

This itinerary necessitates experience at high altitudes, and knowledge of the equipment, such as ice pick and crampons. When setting out on an excursion in the mountains, we suggest you:
  • choose a route suitable for your fitness level. When in doubt, contact the Alpine Guides  or our Information Offices
  • get ready for your trip by checking the weather forecast, the route you will follow and the times for the cable cars, ski or chair lifts, if you will be using them. Remember that the feasibility of routes in a mountain environment is closely linked to the contingent conditions and therefore depends on natural phenomena, changes in the environment and the weather conditions. For this reason, make sure you are well informed about the route and conditions before setting out
  • tell someone about your route and what time you expect to return, and take your mobile phone with you
  • pay attention to the directions and signs that you find along the way: Stelvio Park signs, red and white SAT signs and red and white painted marks on rocks or trees
  • raise the alarm by calling 112 in the event of an accident
  • book the malga or refuge where you intend to stop to eat or sleep in advance
  • never leave litter in the mountains and, if possible, avoid leaving your rubbish at mountain refuges or malgas that you visit
  • if you spot wild animals along the way, we invite you to stay on the path, not go too near, not shout and to keep your dog on a lead, to stop it instinctively chasing and scaring the animal

All the information given in this profile is subject to change or alteration and therefore not always absolutely valid. It is not possible to completely avoid inaccuracies due to the very rapid changes in weather or environmental conditions, which can verify themselves without warning. For this reason, we accept No responsibility for eventual changes, which may affect the person involved. We strongly advise that weather and/or environmental conditions be checked before departure.

Please note that the practicability of the itineraries in a mountain environment is strictly linked to the contingent conditions and is therefore influenced by natural phenomena, environmental changes and weather conditions. For this reason, the information contained in this page may have changed. Before leaving for a tour, make sure the path you will approach is still accessible by contacting the owner of the mountain hut, the alpine guides or the visitor centres of the nature parks, the info offices of the local tourist board.

 

ANTI COVID-19 RULES AND REGULATIONS:

  • face masks must also be worn in the mountains
  • keep a distance of at least 2 metres between you and other people
  • avoid sharing personal effects, instruments and water bottles with other people
  • take hand sanitiser with you and frequently disinfect your hands and surfaces

Starting point

Coler car park (Rabbi)

Directions

DAY 1: RIFUGIO SAENT S. DORIGONI-ALPINE HUT
EE - Escursionisti Esperti (Expert Hiker)
Deaparture point is the Coler car park in Val di Rabbi. The car park can be reached by car or 16 seater shuttle bus. From here there is a shuttle (for which there is a charge) which goes to Malga Stablasolo (1.529m. saving a 30 minute walk). Then take the SAT 106 to Dosso della Croce (1.796m) and Prà di Saent with its characteristic malga. Coninue on to Malga Vecla where the Sentiero degli Alpinisti leads to the Palina (2.100m). Remaining to the left of the Rabbies cross the fields of rhododendrons and marmots and you will arrive at the Rifugio Saent S. Dorigoni (2.436m).

DAY 2: CIMA STERNAI PEAK
EEA - Escursionisti Esperti con Attrezzature (Expert Equipped Hike)
From Rifugio Saent S. Dorigoni (2.436m) to the first Lago Sternai, from where there are a series of stone piles (cairns) which indicate the tour around the lakes (Sternai). Once arriving in the proximity of the junction (where there is a larch wood sign, 2.700m) continue on following the stone piles until reaching Cima Sternai (3.443m). The Vedretta di Sternai always requires the use of crampons (especially after the end of July). It is vital to be equipped with harness and rope to ensure safe anchorage to the steel hooks fixed into the rocks.

DAY 3: RIFUGIO CEVEDALE G. LARCHER-ALPINE HUT
EEA - Escursionisti Esperti con Attrezzature (Expert Equipped Hike)
From Rifugio Saent S. Dorigoni and following firstly the SAT 101 and then the SAT 104 close to the crossroads near the bridge you will reach Bocca di Saent (3.121m) where a 4 metre larch wood post has been erected for orientation purposes in case of fog. From here there is a spectacular panorama of the Vedretta del Careser, of the Cime Venezia and the Cima Rossa. The crossing which leads to Rifugio Cevedale is the natural connection between the upper Val di Peio (Val de la Mare) and Val di Rabbi (Val Saent). Due to the natural rapid declination of the Careser Glacier, a new itinerary has been created which crosses the eastern area. The stretch of glacier is approximately 1km long and not too steep as to risk slipping. From the Bocca di Saent keep circa 500m to the right (north) of the rocks which connect Cima Careser to Cima Campisol, and keeping parallel you will encounter a huge wooden pole the same as the one in Bocca di Saent. From here take the SAT 104 signed in red and white to Rifugio Cevedale G. Larcher (2.608m).
Whilst doing this crossing you can enjoy the best view of the crest, which goes from Monte Vioz to Monte Cevedale, and take sight of the changes to the glacier and the significance they have both environmentally and climatically. It is recommended that this itinerary be undertaken in good weather conditions and when there is good visibility, and with a certain amount of experience and training at high altitudes. In case of recent snowfall, crossing the glacier can become difficult as the trail may be invisible. Ski poles here would be very useful. The use of crampons and rope isn’t usually necessary here if remaining on the indicated path. It is recommended that you contact Rifugio Dorigoni or Rifugio Larcher for the latest information on weather conditions.

DAY 4: MONTE CEVEDALE
EEA - Escursionisti Esperti con Attrezzature (Expert Equipped Hike)
From Rifugio Cevedale G. Larcher follow the SAT 103 down to the sign saying «Percorso dei Ghiacciai» take the path which rises along the moraine to De la Mare glacier. Now, paying great attention to the many crevasses, the trail winds its way in the direction of Monte Rosole and just before arriving follow the icy dorsal to the right which leads directly to the cross on the summit of Monte Cevedale (3,679m). Return the same way to Rifugio Larcher.

DAY 5: MONTE VIOZ AND RIFUGIO VIOZ MANTOVA-ALPINE HUT
EEA - Escursionisti Esperti con Attrezzature (Expert Equipped Hike)
From Rifugio Cevedale G. Larcher follow the SAT 103 down to the sign saying «Percorso dei Ghiacciai» take the path which rises along the moraine to De la Mare glacier. From here follow the glacier in the direction of Col de la Mare where, it verses to the left just before the pass, and passes a steep stretch and leads to Palon de la Mare (3.703m). Follow the crest in descent, firstly snow-covered and then rocky to Passo della Vedretta Rossa (3.403m) then up to Ghiacciaio dei Forni and Monte Vioz (3.645m) and down once again to Rifugio Vioz Mantova (3.535m).

DAY 6: PUNTA LINKE
EE - Escursionisti Esperti (Expert Hiker)
From Rifugio Vioz Mantova ascend to Monte Vioz and here you cross a short stretch of the Ghiacciaio dei Forni to Punta Linke (3.631m) where there is an archaeological site with reference to the First World War. Back to the alpine hut and follow the SAT 105 and in the final stretch divert to the SAT 139 to Rifugio Doss dei Gembri (2.380m). From here take the chair lift and then the cable car to Peio Terme (1.383m).

Public transportation

By train to Trento (Verona-Brennero line) and from here, take the Trento-Malè-Mezzana (Val di Sole) local train to any station where buses are available, for the latest timetable go to www.valdisole.net/EN/Public-Transportation.

How to get there

FROM BOLOGNA-VERONA AND FROM BRENNERO
Take the A22 motorway and exit at Trento Nord (if you are coming from the south) or S. Michele all’Adige (if you coming from the north). Proceed in direction Cles, Val di Non, Val di Sole, to Val di Rabbi.

FROM BERGAMO-BRESCIA
Proceed along the SS42 (direction Passo Tonale) and follow the signs to Malè and Val di Rabbi.

Cross the entire Val di Rabbi. After the Bagni di Rabbi proceed in the direction Coler (reachable by car or 16 seater shuttlebus). During the summer, the shuttle leaves from the car park and goes to Malga Stablasolo.For information on prices and times, speak to the Visitor Centre Rabbi and Stelvio National Park (Tel. +39 0463 909774 - cvrabbi@stelviopark.it).

Where to park

Coler car park (4km from Rabbi)
Trekking suitable only for experts equipped with a harness, ice picks, crampons and equipment to undertake the Via Ferrata. Recommended equipment: waterproof clothes, light but warm (the first layer of clothing in contact with the skin, should be made of polypropylene, a second layer should be of wool or felt (for insulation) and the third layer, waterproof windcheater raincoat in nylon or Gore-Tex and long trousers, heavy walking shoes, (avoid trainers) gloves, hat, a change of clothes, rucksack, water bottle and sleeping bag.

 

Remember your camera or mobile phone for immortalising the views and favourite sights. If you like, you can then share them on social media at the hashtags #visitvaldisole and #spazioaltuotempo.

Caution in the mountains