Ski tour to Mt Magro

Early in the morning we start our hike at the car park of the Jausenstation Säge at 1,580 m a.s.l. in Riva di Tures. From here we take a wide forest path (no. 8) towards the Roma mountain hut and Monte Magro (3,273 m a.s.l.). This tour features a considerable elevation gain and the initially large path soon turns into a steep, narrow path with numerous hairpin bends (crampons are recommended!). After this demanding section we can already recognise the forest and the Kasseler hut on the horizon. The path flattens a little and after almost two hours of walking time we finally reach the hut at 2,274 m a.s.l. where we stop for a well-deserved break.

Near the hut we ascend a steep slope towards south and continue skiing. Then we walk past the characteristic Monte Covoni to the left and proceed straight ahead towards the Tristenferner (Tristenkees) glacier which we reach after tackling a steep avalanche chute. Now the path constantly winds along a seemingly never-ending ascent but we don't have time for a short break. We continue our hike and recognise the impressive monte Collalto and monte Collaspro in front of us. We are now walking along the western slope of the glacier which we ascend thanks to numerous hairpin bends. Even if today is a wonderful winter day, the freezing cold wind blowing here doesn't allow us to stop and admire the panoramic view for too long.

The 20 cm high powder snow on the glacier was already tracked by previous skiers but we still enjoy the descent. We descend to the Kasseler hut along the same path. After a break at the mountain hut (possibility of overnight stays) we ski down to the valley. The piste initially runs along large mountain meadows then proceeds through the forests along a steeper slope and finally it runs underneath the material cableway. There we need to tackle an extremely steep avalanche chute which is often frozen. At the valley floor we follow a flat path to the car park.

Please Note: Monte Magro is one of the most popular ski mountaineering destinations in the Valle Aurina. The ascent of this rather easy tour does not feature technical difficulties. In ideal conditions this rather safe tour can be undertaken in winter and spring. It is recommended to always check the snow bulletin and to call the Kasseler Hütte for further information on the risk of avalanche chute formations. The ascent requires a good fitness and the descent is technical especially in the lower part. If the snow is in good conditions you don't need to bring specific equipment with you.

Author: BS

Date of the excursion: 14 February 2009
Reviewed in: 2025