Ski tour to Monte Nevoso

We start for our spring ski tour at 6 am in Riva di Tures near the Jausenstation Säge (1,591 m a.s.l.) refreshment point and we are definitely not the only ones climbing Monte Nevoso today. Initially we traverse a bridge and then a meadow where we take the forest path no. 8 which we follow until we arrive at a cross (1,800 m). After 30 minutes of walking we turn left and enter a forest where we need to tackle a path that is anything but easy: its steepness and some icy sections make us sweat. For this reason we highly recommend using crampons. Fortunately the forest soon opens up and we can see the rifugio Roma hut (Kasseler Hütte) (2,274 m) in the distance.

We turn right and ascend a moderately steep slope with numerous hairpin bends. Once at the top of the hill we arrive at a flatter basin where we stop for a short break before proceeding to the valley at the foot of Monte Nevoso from where we can already recognise its peak. Unfortunately the summit appears closer than it really is. We continue walking towards the first steep slope where we climb several snow-covered hairpin bends which of course are even more challenging. We reach a saddle to the right at 3,120 m a.s.l. by walking along a second slope on the right. We keep right and at the top of the glacier we take off our skis for a short section. At the mountain ridge we leave our skis at the ski deposit and ascend to the summit cross on foot. Please note: the final section of the glacier should be conquered only by technically prepared ski mountaineerers!

After a 10-minute-walk along the exposed ridge of Monte Nevoso (3,358 m a.s.l.) in the Vedrette di Ries group we reach its summit cross from where we enjoy a stunning all-round view of Monte Collalto, Monte Collaspro and the other surrounding peaks. Back at the ski depot we get on our skis and descend along the slopes of the glacier which are covered with wonderful powder snow. Here we have enough space to have fun skiing. As we would like to stop for a break at the rifugio Roma (Kasseler Hütte) we keep right in the lower part (the hut is visible from far). We traverse a small bridge and walk along a short ascent on foot before descending to to rifugio Roma. The lower part of the descent coincides with the one of the ascent we did before and is less fun than the previous section. Alternatively you could descend by walking below the material cableway and by tackling a very steep avalanche chute. It is critical to check on the snow conditions along the path by calling or asking at the mountain hut!

Note: this demanding spring ski mountaineering itinerary is technically difficult and requires therefore sure-footedness and absolute freedom from vertigo. Please check on the snow conditions at rifugio Roma! Here you can enjoy fabulous slopes and spectacular panoramic views from the peak.

Author: BS

Date of the excursion: 10 April 2010
Reviewed in: 2025