Mountain tour to the Rifugio Vedrette di Ries

The Rifugio Vedrette di Ries is one of the most famous alpine huts in the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park. The starting point for our hike is the parking space "Säger" at Riva di Tures (Rein in Taufers) at the main road. It is a perfect summer day, we follow the marker no. 3 along the creek Riva and waterfalls through the dense forest. After about one hour walk we reach the "Äußere Gelltalalm" which is located on a plateau and we can take breath. Then we walk further to the "Innere Gelltalalm" hut at 2,067 m a.s.l. In front of us the wide valley surrounded by mighty glaciated mountains and a rolling glacial stream. On a comfortable path we walk into the valley, at the end the path leads us up to the Gelltal Glacier towards the Vedrette di Ries Hut. An amazing panorama rewards us for the efforts, numerous 3,000 m peaks in front of and behind us.

At the ridge we can see the mountain hut, and after crossing a small snowfield we have also reached it. After a short rest we start again, this time towards the peak of Mt. Pizzo di Vedrette (3,249 m a.s.l.) which we can already see from the hut. Famous neighbours of the Pizzo di Vedrette are Mt. Magro (3,270 m a.s.l.) and Mt. Nevoso (3,358 m a.s.l.). Across smaller and bigger rocks and two small snowfields we walk uphill to the mountain top. Shortly below the ridge we also have to use our hands to overcome the steps. Then it's done, we reach the top with a gorgeous summit cross and an amazing view on the surrounding glaciated 3,000 m peaks.

Due to the distance of the hike don't underrate the way back, which is done on the same route. Very beautiful mountain path until the Vedrette di Ries Mountain Hut, which also offers overnight accommodation and is an ideal starting point for alpine tours. This hike is also recommended as a two-day tour. The mountain hut is also reachable from the Valle Anterselva valley (no. 3), from Vila di Sopra (no. 1) and from Gais (only for experts). The panorama at the top of Mt. Pizzo di Vedrette is beyond words! Stamina and step security is absolutely required.

Author: BS