Mountain-climbing for rookies
Three tour suggestions from an expert
“Sure-footedness and stamina are essentials for peak-baggers”, says Ferdinand as he enthuses over his favourite tours:
First up the Weisshorn
“The Corno Bianco or Weisshorn is ideal for newcomers to the sport. It is a simple peak to climb but offers wonderful views, better than some of the higher neighbouring summits. The 360° panorama reveals the Etsch Valley, the Brenta and Ortler massifs, the Ötztal, Stubaier and Zillertaler Alps, as well as the Dolomites to the east and southeast. It is an easy 1½ hour climb up from the Jochgrimm pass up to the 2317-metre summit, with a break for lunch possible at the Gurndinalm, before you return to your starting point, with a total tour time of 3 to 3½ hours.
Dolomite panorama on the Cima Undici
The medium-difficulty ascent of the 3092-metre Cima Undici or Elferkofel begins at the Malga Monzoni hut. Passing the Valacia refuge – perfect for lunch on the way down – the impressive summit can be reached in around two hours. “Here too you can enjoy magnificent all-round views! The Cima Undici is a wonderful mountain, right in the heart of the Dolomites”, Ferdinand emphasises. This tour requires an ascent of 640 metres and takes around four hours to complete.
The mini-Rosengarten tour – an effort rewarded with beautiful views
“King Laurin’s rose garden is of course a must for visitors to the Eggen Valley”, laughs Ferdinand as he recommends the mini-Rosengarten tour, “but you need a head for heights.” Following flower-lined paths, hikers cross two passes on a route that includes steep chimneys and gullies, not to mention spectacular rock spires, ravines and high mountain valleys. A chair lift from the Frommeralm brings hikers to the Kölner Hut, from which it is a walk of some 3½ hours via the Tschagerjoch and Cigolade passes to the Rotwand Hut. The return journey leads via gentle Alpine pastures back to the Karer/Costalunga Pass. This medium to difficult hike requires a climb of some 500 metres and takes a total of around five hours.
First up the Weisshorn
“The Corno Bianco or Weisshorn is ideal for newcomers to the sport. It is a simple peak to climb but offers wonderful views, better than some of the higher neighbouring summits. The 360° panorama reveals the Etsch Valley, the Brenta and Ortler massifs, the Ötztal, Stubaier and Zillertaler Alps, as well as the Dolomites to the east and southeast. It is an easy 1½ hour climb up from the Jochgrimm pass up to the 2317-metre summit, with a break for lunch possible at the Gurndinalm, before you return to your starting point, with a total tour time of 3 to 3½ hours.
Dolomite panorama on the Cima Undici
The medium-difficulty ascent of the 3092-metre Cima Undici or Elferkofel begins at the Malga Monzoni hut. Passing the Valacia refuge – perfect for lunch on the way down – the impressive summit can be reached in around two hours. “Here too you can enjoy magnificent all-round views! The Cima Undici is a wonderful mountain, right in the heart of the Dolomites”, Ferdinand emphasises. This tour requires an ascent of 640 metres and takes around four hours to complete.
The mini-Rosengarten tour – an effort rewarded with beautiful views
“King Laurin’s rose garden is of course a must for visitors to the Eggen Valley”, laughs Ferdinand as he recommends the mini-Rosengarten tour, “but you need a head for heights.” Following flower-lined paths, hikers cross two passes on a route that includes steep chimneys and gullies, not to mention spectacular rock spires, ravines and high mountain valleys. A chair lift from the Frommeralm brings hikers to the Kölner Hut, from which it is a walk of some 3½ hours via the Tschagerjoch and Cigolade passes to the Rotwand Hut. The return journey leads via gentle Alpine pastures back to the Karer/Costalunga Pass. This medium to difficult hike requires a climb of some 500 metres and takes a total of around five hours.
“Tours should be chosen according to your level of fitness - everyone is guaranteed to enjoy breathtaking landscapes”, Ferdinand promises. Having conquered the dizzy heights, relaxing at the Hotel Engel will ensure you feel as if on cloud nine…
Those wishing to join Ferdinand or Ignaz on one of their tours into the fascinating world of the Dolomites are in luck, as they offer guests at the Hotel Engel walks five times a week!
Those wishing to join Ferdinand or Ignaz on one of their tours into the fascinating world of the Dolomites are in luck, as they offer guests at the Hotel Engel walks five times a week!
