Ski mountaineering in the Val Gelada

Back-country skiing • Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo and Val Rendena

Ski mountaineering in the Val Gelada

A classic itinerary in the northern Brenta Dolomites which regularly offers some fantastic skiing thanks to the northerly exposure.

This itinerary doesn’t take you to a true peak but rather a mountain pass named the Bocchetta dei Tre Sassi. The route winds its way along the foot or the north-east face of Cima Vagliana which acts as a watershed between the Gelada valley and the area of Grostè and its ski-lift facilities. The popularity of this area is also due to the regularity of the slopes which are all quite challenging yet never too steep.

Back to overview

recommended route

Ski mountaineering in the Val Gelada

Back-country skiing · Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo, Val Rendena

Responsible for this content
VisitTrentino

la Val Gelada vista dal versante opposto
Photo: Marco Maganzini Guida Alpina, VisitTrentino

Map / Ski mountaineering in the Val Gelada

Selected alternatives for you

A classic itinerary in the northern Brenta Dolomites which regularly offers some fantastic skiing thanks to the northerly exposure.

moderate

Distance 11.2 km

3:30 h

998 m

2,593 m

1,629 m

Author’s recommendation

Make sure to contact the offices of the local Mountain Guides to check out current conditions (see “Useful links”)

Author

VisitTrentino

Responsible for this content
VisitTrentino

Difficulty

moderate

Overall difficulty

moderate

Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

Experience

Landscape

Highest point

2,593 m

Lowest point

1,629 m

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Cardinal direction

Track types

No marked trail

11.2 km

Show elevation profile

Safety information

Despite being a very popular destination, the risk of avalanches in this area must not be underestimated due to the numerous steep gullies and slopes. It’s therefore strongly recommended to avoid excursions after heavy snowfalls and/or significant and sudden rises in temperature.

Remember, snowpack stability is subject to sudden and unforeseeable changes and shifts. Always check the local avalanche bulletin (www.meteotrentino.it or any other service that suits your needs) before departure and make sure you gather all possible information concerning current conditions at the Mountain Guides’ office. (http://www.guidealpinecampiglio.it). GPS routes are merely indicative of the more reasonable track but must not be followed blindly without first checking current slope and terrain conditions.

GPS tracks are merely indicative of the more standard routes but must not be followed blindly without first checking current slope and terrain conditions.

Please note that the practicability of the itineraries in a mountain environment is strictly linked to the contingent conditions and is therefore influenced by natural phenomena, environmental changes and weather conditions. For this reason, the information contained in this page may have changed. Before leaving for a tour, make sure the path you will approach is still accessible by contacting the owner of the mountain hut, the alpine guides or the visitor centres of the nature parks, the info offices of the local tourist board.

Tips and suggestions

http://www.guidealpinecampiglio.it

https://www.alpinemotion.it/pinzolo/

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

Public transport is available. The no. 231 bus from Trento will takes you to Campo Carlo Magno.

Directions

From the town of Madonna di Campiglio, make your way up to the ski-lift facilities in Grostè (you can also reach it by car, and parking is available, if you take the snow-covered road that leads to the Mondifrà farmhouse). After a couple of hundred metres you reach the pass at Campo Carlo Magno and from here, a narrow, downward sloping road on your right takes you as far as the cross-country skiing centre in Malghette.

Parking

Parking is available at the cross-country skiing Centre (or, alternatively, at the cable car station of Grostè).

Coordinates

46.246164, 10.845060

DMS

46°14'46.2"N 10°50'42.2"E

UTM

32T 642231 5123053

w3w

///soaked.rigged.precocious

Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

Book recommendation by the author

"Scialpinismo a Madonna di Campiglio" - ed.Tappeiner 2011

Author’s map recommendations

4Land n.139 - Gruppo di Brenta

Equipment

For all ski-mountaineering activities, the proper apparel is strongly recommended. Skiers must bear in mind that temperatures can dip quickly and garments should also be suitable for snowy conditions (such as waterproof Gore-Tex jackets). Furthermore, gloves, cap, sun glasses and sun cream should also form part of every off-piste skier’s basic gear.

It’s also important to bear in mind that tight fitting or insufficiently waterproof ski boots can cause frostbite.

It’s also COMPULSARY to carry with you an avalanche rescue kit consisting of avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel (this is also available for rent).

A suitable helmet and other safety equipment are also strongly recommended (avalanche airbags etc.).

In the case of hard snow cover or ice, ski crampons are recommended.