We hit the region during a bit of a dry spell, which allowed us to tour in good stability, with significant amounts of new snow not arriving until our last day on March 26.
This year we opted to start the trip on the Southern side of the range where we met at the Forni Hut just above the small ski town of Santa Caterina Valfurva. Here we are on the first morning outside the Forni Hut, which can be reached by car and is about 4.5 hours from Milan, Italy.
We had a strong group, so we started the first day with an ascent of the Pizzo Tresero (3594 M / 11,792'). As you can see from the photo we had to climb through poor visibility to get to the summit.
From left to right are Farley, Julie, Patty, Brian, and Steve on the summit of Tresero.
As soon as we began the descent we moved into thick clouds, which made for a big adventure back to the Rifugio Cesare Branca (2487 M / 8,160').
On March 22, we set out to climb Punta San Mateo (3678 M / 12,068'), a nice peak that sits next to Tresero, across the valley from the Branca Hut.
Conditions for the climb were decent with the very summits capped in clouds, but the lower glacier had good visibility.
We stopped just shy of the summit and had a good ski to the valley. This spot routinely produces good skiing in most weather situations.
Here is Farley enjoying the nice pitches on the lower half of the climb.
Patty just after her "I caught my long underwear in my zipper and need a large knife to try to free it" incident. Kids, don't try this at home!
We spent two nights at the Branca Hut, which we have found to have the best food on the Ortler tour. The great eating and vast quantity of good ski objective near this hut usually lead us to spend multiple nights here.
The group enjoying the apres ski scene at the Branca Hut.
Dinner at the Branca is an elaborate affair with multiple courses, plenty of red wine, and cappucchino to wrap it all up.
One nice feature of the Branca Hut is that they tend to have smaller rooms, often making for a better night of sleep and a bit more privacy than we find in many of the bigger huts.
On day 3 we set out to move to the Schaubachhutte ( 2581 M/8,468) in the Valley above Sulden. To get there we needed to cross two passes. Here we are headed up the Val di Rosole to the col between Monte Cevedale (3769 M / 12,366') and Monte Pasquale (3553 M / 11,657').
The trip up the Val Di Rosole has amazing views back to Tresero, which is the peak just above the skiers in this photo.
The first leg of the tour ends with a steep skin up the slopes leading to the col at 3423 M / 11,231'. This can be good corn skiing if you hit it at the right time mid-morning.
Julie enjoying the morning.
The entire group on the summit of Pasquale with the Gran Zebru (3851 M / 12,635' aka the Konig Spitze) in the background.
Farley on the summit of Monte Pasquale.
The skiing off the back side was firm, but good.
Patty coming off the col.
Kevin heading down. The ski slope above his right shoulder is the main run off the summit of Cevedale, which we skied on our second Haute Route tour of the season.
The second pass that we climb over on this day is covered with old fortifications and barbed wire from WWI, when this was contested territory between Italy and Austria.
One of the many interesting signs you see in Europe. This led us to believe that whatever was inside was not to be trifled with.
This day usually leads to a quick stop at the Casati Hut (3254 M / 10,676') for a quick snack.
Cappucchino and a slice of cake, what could be better?
To get to the Schaubach hut we skied off the Sulden Spitze (3376 M / 11,077') and arrived in time for this snack.
Most guided groups do not stay at the Schaubach, but we have made it a tradition for our groups as we love the food here.
Desert of some sort of deep fried concoction with powdered sugar and jam.
More rough living in the alps.
Each group develops its own theme. This group seemed fixated on the bizzare collection of hut slippers to be found as you move from hut to hut.
The next morning started with great visibility and we planned to move down to the Marteller Hut (2610 M / 8,563').
We also ran into our friend Joe Stock, over from AK.
The entire group in front of the Schabachhutte.
To get to the Marteller Hut we traveled up and over the Madritschjoch (3123 M / 10,247') and then skied down the massive Madritschtal to the Zufallhutte (2265 M / 7,431'). This small chapel sits near the Zufall Hut.
To get to the Marteller Hut you ski up a magnificent valley ultimately leading to the summit of Cevedale.
Again, great food and hospitality at the Marteller Hut.
We finished the hut with a whiteout ski up and over the edge of Cevedale and a descent to the Pizzini Hut. I must have quit taking photos as I was busy navigating.
For details on our 2011 Ortler Ski Circuit, visit the website, or give us a call at 509-548-5823. Thanks to all for a great trip!
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