Hike to Monte Cuzzo

We drive along a narrow mountain road from the valley station of the Gitschberg cable car in Maranza to the Kiener Alm, a mountain restaurant at 1,750 m a.s.l. The ascent to Monte Cuzzo starts along the "Rundweg Geißraste", a steep uphill circular trail. We walk past a well before entering a colourful larch tree forest from where we have a view of the Valle Isarco.

At the Koflerhütte (currently not managed) we leave the forest and enjoy the fantastic view of the impressive Cima di Terento at 2,738 m a.s.l. and the southern slope of Monte Cuzzo (Gitschberg). We take a forest path to Breiteben, where the mountain station of the cable car is situated and after having passed the Gitschhütte hut we follow path no. 12 to the summit. As we ascend, the view of the Zillertal Alps to our right gets better and better.

On the summit of Monte Cuzzo at 2,512 m of altitude stand a summit cross and a wonderful panoramic platform with a telescope. We sit down and enjoy the autumn sun caressing our cheeks. Besides admiring the marvellous view of the mountains we also observe some paragliders during their take off. This hike between the Val Isarco and Val Pusteria is particularly recommended on a sunny autumn day.

Please note: Instead of walking from the valley station to the mountain station of the Gitschberg cable car, you can take the cable car if in service. Without this section, you only need to cover 400 metres of elevation gain from the mountain station to the peak.

Author: BS