Ski tour to Mount Piccolo Pizzo Rosso

This tour to the Piccolo Pizzo Rosso (3,290 m), the sister mountain of the higher Pizzo Rosso in the Venediger mountain group, requests a very good physical condition.

Starting at the Rifugio Fondovalle in Casere, we cross the small bridge on our right leading to the small Santo Spirito church. From here, we hike on our skis through the right side of the valley bottom towards the Labesaualm mountain hut (1,751 metres asl). From here, the trail gets steeper and leads us into the Valle del Vento with its huge avalanche deposits. Taking a slight right bend we reach the so-called “Burgl“, a slope leading directly to the Giogo Lungo.

We pass the Rifugio Giogo Lungo (2,603 metres asl) on our right and continue our tour crossing a short steep slope on our left. Consequently, we turn right and hike moderately upwards through the Rötkee glacier area (crevasse danger!) until we reach the saddle (3,200 metres als). Pay attention on the snow cornices here! From here, we have to hike other 90 metres of altitude until we finally reach the peak of Piccolo Pizzo Rosso, the sister mountain of the impressive Pizzo Rosso (3,495 metres asl). From the Piccolo Pizzo Rosso, we enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks: Picco dei Tre Signori (3,499 metres asl), Pizzo Rosso (3,495 metres als), Punta Merbe (3,090 metres), other peaks of the Venediger mountain group and the Vedrette di Ries mountain group.

We descend on the ascent route, enjoying the beautiful firn snow in the upper section of the glacier area. In case of very safe snow conditions you can chose a more direct route, not passing the Giogo Lungo. The lower part is more difficult to ski because of the avalanche deposits. However, it is worth the effort.

Please note: We recommend to do this ski tour in spring or late spring. It requests safe snow conditions, the left mountain flanks on the lower part of the tour should be completely empty of snow. Moreover, this tour should be started very early after a clear and cold night. The highlight of this tour, beside the great mountain panorama, is the Rötkees glacier area, which offers a wonderful descent on beautiful powder snow. You can also stay overnight in the winter shelter of the Rifugio Giogo Lungo.

[fett]Author:[fett] BS

When you plan to do this skiing tour, please inform yourself on the weather and snow conditions and the avalanche risk. It is essential to carefully plan your tour and use detailed maps as well as the right technical equipment (avalanche transceiver, probe, avalanche shovel)!

[fett]Starting point:[fett] Casere, Rifugio Fondovalle (1,600 metres asl)
[fett]Level of difficulty:[fett] high alpine and partly steep ski tour without any particular technical difficulties. However, a very good physical condition is requested.
[fett]Trail route:[fett] Casere - Labesaualm mountain hut - Giogo Lungo - Piccolo Pizzo Rosso - Giogo Lungo - Labesaualm mountain hut - Casere
[fett]Ascent time:[fett] 4 - 4.5 hours
[fett]Orientation of the slopes:[fett] North / West
[fett]Altitude difference:[fett] 1,690 metres asl
[fett]Restaurants:[fett] Rifugio Fondovalle, Casere
[fett]We recommend:[fett] to visit the small Santo Spirito church in Casere
[fett]Experienced in:[fett] April 2010
[fett]More information:[fett] tourist board Valle Aurina, tel.: +39 0474 652081, e-mail: taufers@ahrntal.com