The 3,739 m high Mt. Palla Bianca can be scaled from Maso Corto in the Val Senales or from Mazia resp. Vallelunga in the Venosta Valley
Image gallery: Ski tour to Mount Palla Bianca
Early in the morning, or more precisely still at nighttime, we drive to Maso Corto (Kurzras) in the Val Senales valley, where our ski tour to Mt. Palla Bianca (Weisskugel) starts at the parking space of the skiing area, the Alpin Arena Senales. Due to the relatively mild temperatures, we abandon the option to climb the mountain via the Valle delle Frane valley and walk up along the slopes of the skiing area, until we reach the mountain station Teufelsegg (3,034 m).
From here we follow the crest westwards, then we ski down about 140 m of altitude difference to reach the Hintereisferner Glacier. Then we proceed towards the Hintereisjoch Ridge, where the summit seems within our grasp, but it is not. Via a flat section and a short steep passage, we reach the Hintereisjoch (3,469 m), providing a fabulous view on numerous peaks of the Oetztal Alps. Slowly we can also feel the considerable altitude. In front of us, there is a steep slope. After having overcome this slope, only a short walk to the winter summit of Mt. Palla Bianca if left. It is the highest mountain of the Oetztal Alps, second only to the Wildspitze peak. When the ski depot is reached, you can walk to the summit on foot, depending on the conditions.
The panorama of King Ortles, Mt. Similaun, Mt. Orecchia di Lepre, Mt. Wildspitze, Mt. Cevedale and numerous other peaks is breathtaking. We ski down along the route of the ascent. Underneath the Teufelsegg we need to scale the 140 m of altitude difference in order to get back on the slopes again. This is a glacier tour and requires appropriate equipment, conditions and planning. Great view from the summit, numerous variants for ascent and descent. Crest dangerous in case of glaciation. Glacier tour, only for experienced ski mountaineers!
Route alternatives:
- ascent from Maso Corto via the Valle delle Frane valley
- ascent from Maso Corto via the Bellavista Mountain Hut (2,842 m)
- ascent by ski lift until the Teufelsegg mountain station
- ascent from Melago in the Vallelunga valley, base Palla Bianca Mountain Hut (2,544 m)
- ascent from Mazia, starting point is the Glieshof tavern (1,824 m)
- descent via the Mazia Glacier towards Maso Corto
Author: BS
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- Starting point:
- Maso Corto / Kurzras. Starting from the top station of the Teufelsegg chairlift instead of from Maso Corto, 1000 m of elevation gain and 2 hours of ascent must be subtracted.
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- Time required:
- 05:00 h
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- Track length:
- 9,1 km
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- Altitude:
- from 2.011 m to 3.738 m
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- Altitude difference:
- +2138 m | -2138 m
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- Route:
- Teufelsegg - Giogo della Vedretta / Hintereisjoch - Palla Bianca
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- Destination:
- Palla Bianca / Weißkugel (3738 m)
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- Resting points:
- Baita Teufelsegg Hütte (December to early May)
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Ski tour to Mount Palla Bianca
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- More information:
- Orientation of the slope: S, SW, W, SE. Time required and track length refer to the ascent.
We suggest you to check the weather conditions in advance and on site before setting out. Don’t forget to check the current avalanche forecast!
