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

Starting point: Gsiesertal Valley – St. Magdalena, Head of the Valley (1465 m)

Walking time: 4 hours 30 min.

Difficulty: medium; for average skiers – wide and open terrain with a few steep slopes, caution required after fresh snow

Altitude difference: 1274 m

Slope exposure: southwest

Ski and snowshoe tour through the Pfoital up to the Hochkreuzspitze.

Car park at the head of the valley in St. Magdalena.

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.

Bus & train timetable: www.suedtirolmobil.info

Bus line 441

a) From the Head of the Valley in St. Magdalena (1465 m) follow signpost no. 12 over the new bridge, turn left, then left again at the Schlosserhof and after a few metres turn right onto the old cattle drive, bordered by fences and shrubs. Small glades open up again and again, offering photo opportunities of the valley and the impressive Prags Dolomites to the southwest. After about 90 minutes you reach the junction for the Uwald Alm (1930 m, refreshments available), another 30 minutes from there.

b) Shortcut: About 100 m before the bridge over the Pfoi stream leave forest road no. 12, turn right, pass the large notice board and enter the forest. Cross a narrow bridge with a wayside cross (1522 m) and continue on the old Pfoi trail, which climbs steeply on the left side of the stream to forest road no. 12 (1800 m) and further to the Uwald Alm (2042 m, refreshments available). From here continue uphill across the hilly landscape, mostly along the ridge, to the so-called “Platte”. The route continues across partly flat, partly rocky passages (skis may need to be removed). At about 2500 m traverse rightwards and reach the already known route just below the Pfoi lakes, which leads up to the Hochkreuz. Those wishing to avoid the traverse can stay on the ridge and reach directly the Mittleres Hochkreuz (2702 m) and a little further the Hochkreuzspitze (2739 m). The ideal descent is through the Pfoital or back along the ascent route.