Ortler-Group

Even though many idyllic reservoirs and naturally formed bodies of water are a popular hiking destination, it is primarily the allure of the relentless rock that attracts adventurers to this part of the Central Alps.

The highest peak is the Ortler at 3,905 meters, also reverently called "King Ortler," which is considered one of the most significant expedition destinations in the Eastern Alps by mountaineers. Equally impressive is the notorious North Face, the largest ice wall in the Eastern Alps, which demands a lot from even experienced climbers.

According to an old legend, Ortler was once a giant who was conquered by a dwarf and consequently turned into snow and ice. Today, many high-altitude tours lead to the summit. The normal route starts at the Payer Hut, perched at 3,020 meters above a rock north of the Tabaretta peak. This hut can be reached from Sulden or Trafoi via the path to the Tabaretta Hut (2,556 meters). Initially, it goes over a secured climbing trail along the north ridge, before battling through ice and firn and reaching the summit via the Tschierfeck (with the bivouac box Bivacco Lombardi, 3,316 meters) and the Upper Ortler Glacier. This route, considered the easiest, requires 3-5 hours.

The second highest peak is the Königspitze (3,851 meters) in the South Tyrolean sky, and owes its name to its stately appearance. In the mountain war, it held a strategically important position, and the ice still reveals equipment of the soldiers - including sharp ammunition.

The third highest mountain is named Monte Cevedale and is popular among skiers as the highest ski touring mountain in the Ortler group (3,769 meters), as it can be climbed to the top with touring skis in good weather conditions. However, be sure to watch out for crevasses!

When it comes to winter sports, the Ortler group boasts big names like Bormio, Santa Caterina Valfurva, and Sulden. The Stelvio Pass ski area is also equipped for summer operation, as in winter the pass road, which at 2,757 meters is the second highest pass in the Alps and the highest drivable pass in Italy, can be closed due to enormous amounts of snow.

Thus, the Stelvio Glacier with 30 kilometers of slopes, a snow park for freestylers, 12 km of cross-country ski trails, and 10 lifts and cable cars is one of the largest summer ski areas in the Alps - and operates from June to November. The Stelvio Pass is also a classic challenging road cycling tour - with 48 hairpin turns from Prad to the pass summit. During the "Stelvio Pass Bike Day," the pass is even closed to motor vehicles.

The Stelvio National Park, where the Ortler group is located, also benefits from this. Here, you can observe not only golden eagles, capercaillies, red deer, and roe deer, but also chamois and ibexes. With luck, you might even spot a marmot or two.

The Stelvio National Park spans four provinces - enough area to be considered one of the largest nature reserves in Europe.