Coming from Innsbruck/Brennero (A): Drive on the Highway of Brennero (A22) until the exit Bressanone/Val Pusteria, then go on along the SS49-E66 for about 58kms until you arrive in Monguelfo. To get to Tesido and the Val Casies Valley, we recommend to take the exit West in Monguelfo. Coming from Lienz (A): You can reach us also padding by Lienz in Westtyrol (A). You have to cross the Austrian-Italian border between Ahrnbach and Winnebach (B100-E66) and drive on the SS46-E66 until Monguelfo. To get to Tesido and the Val Casies, we recommend to take the exit West in Monguelfo.

a) From the Head of the Valley in S. Maddalena (1465 m) follow trail no. 12 across the new bridge, turn left, after the Schlosserhof left again, then shortly right onto the old cattle trail, bordered by fences and shrubs. Small clearings open repeatedly with fine views of the valley and the impressive Prags Dolomites to the southwest. After about 90 minutes you reach the fork to the Uwald Alm (1930 m, refreshment point), reached in about 30 minutes.
b) Shortcut: about 100 m before the Pfoi stream bridge, leave forest road no. 12, turn right past the notice board into the forest. Cross a narrow bridge (1522 m, with cross) and follow the old Pfoi trail, climbing steeply along the left side of the stream up to forest road no. 12 (1800 m) and on to the Uwald Alm (2042 m, refreshments). From there continue over the ridge to the “Platte”. The route now runs partly flat, partly over rocky terrain (possibly remove skis). At approx. 2500 m cross rightwards and rejoin the familiar path beneath the Pfoi lakes, continuing to the Hochkreuz. Those avoiding the traverse can stay on the ridge, reach the Mittleres Hochkreuz (2702 m) and shortly after the Hochkreuzspitze (2739 m). Best descent: through the Pfoital or along the ascent route.

The classic Gsieser ski and snowshoe tour through the Pfoital Valley to the Hochkreuzspitze

Starting point: Val Casies/Gsiesertal Valley – S. Maddalena, Head of the valley (1465 m)
Walking time: 04:30 h
Difficulty: medium | for average skiers – wide and open terrain with only a few steep slopes, caution with fresh snow
Altitude difference: 1274 m
Slope exposure: southwest