Ski mountaineering traverse of the Ortles-Cevedale group

One of the most beautiful ski traverses in the Alps, set in a spectacular high-mountain environment with long glacier crossings.

Crossing the Ortles-Cevedale group is a truly spectacular adventure in a lesser-known area, yet one that has nothing to envy to the great 4,000-metre peaks of the Alps. The setting is pure high-alpine terrain, with summits reaching almost 3,800 metres, vast glaciers, and endless descents on ideal slopes.

To complete the experience, we will spend the nights in beautifully located mountain huts, perched in breathtaking positions and run with outstanding care, passion, and warm hospitality.

With our itinerary, we will reach some of the main peaks of the group over four days of true ski mountaineering. A good technical level and solid physical fitness are required, as the ascents are graded BSA (Good Ski Mountaineer), with elevation gains of up to approximately 1,500 metres per day.

The proposed programme can easily be customised: strong skiers can link additional summits or choose more challenging descents, while those looking for a less demanding experience can reduce both elevation gain and tour length by adapting the route and selected peaks.

Programme

Meeting point

Meeting in Santa Caterina Valfurva on the afternoon before departure for a briefing with the guide and equipment check. On request, we can suggest accommodation in the village. Alternatively, it is possible to meet directly on the morning of departure.

Day 1

After a short drive to Forni (2,150 m), we will put on our skis and start ascending the wide valley towards the Forni Glacier. Before reaching the glacier, we will turn right and climb the broad slopes of Monte San Giacomo, reaching the summit in about 4 hours. If energy levels allow, we can continue on to the panoramic Pizzo Tresero (3,594 m) in approximately another 2 hours.

The descent will lead us to Rifugio Branca (2,493 m), where we will spend the night.

Day 2

Early in the morning, we will step onto the vast Forni Glacier, heading towards one of the impressive peaks towering above us. Several options are possible:

• Punta San Matteo (3,678 m), via a long glacier route with moderate slopes, except for a short steeper section leading to the summit plateau.
• Punta Cadini (3,524 m), featuring a spectacular north face with slopes of 40–45°.
• Palon de la Mare (3,703 m), another giant directly above the hut, combining fairly steep sections (35–40°) with wide glacier slopes.

In short, there will be no shortage of choices for an exciting day on skis.

After returning to Rifugio Branca, we will ascend the Val Cedec in about 1.5 hours to reach Rifugio Pizzini (2,700 m), where we will spend the night.

Day 3

Today’s objective is the ascent of one of the iconic mountains of the group: Monte Cevedale (3,769 m), via the Vedretta di Cedec Glacier. From an environmental and scenic point of view, this is perhaps the most beautiful ascent of the traverse.

The route leads through a wide valley that gradually steepens near a massive icefall. Once on the gentle summit glacier (Zufallferner / Vedretta del Cevedale), a short section on foot with crampons and ice axe will take us to the summit.

The descent is relaxed, with moderate slopes, and will bring us onto the South Tyrolean side, where we will spend the night at Rifugio Martello / Marteller Hütte (2,610 m).

Day 4

Today begins with a descent of about 200 metres to the wide basin below the hut. From here, after fitting the skins, we will climb the long valley towards the Langenferner / Vedretta Lunga Glacier, reaching its upper end at Rifugio Casati (3,269 m – closed).

With a short ascent, we can reach the highly panoramic Sulden Spitze / Cima Solda (3,387 m), a true balcony offering spectacular views of the striking pyramid of Gran Zebrù and the vast Cevedale glaciers.

A long descent, passing once again by Rifugio Pizzini and down the Val Cedec, will bring us back to the car.

Extras & Variants

The tour can also start and finish from other sides of the Ortles-Cevedale group, such as Sulden (Solda), Val Martello, or Pejo.

For strong and technically skilled skiers, the ascent of Gran Zebrù (3,857 m) from Rifugio Pizzini can be considered. Depending on snow conditions and after assessing the participants’ level, the final decision will be taken by the IFMGA Mountain Guide.

When

April 22 – 25, 2026

Price

2 participants: €800 per person
3 participants: €600 per person
4 participants: €500 per person
5 participants: €450 per person

The price includes:

• IFMGA/UIAGM Certified Mountain Guide service
• Civil liability insurance

The price does not include:

• Half board and extra expenses in the mountain huts
• Half board for the Mountain Guide (to be shared among participants)
• Transfers
• Technical equipment (harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe, lanyard with carabiner)*
• Anything not specifically listed under “The price includes”

* Technical equipment rental (on request):

• Crampons: €15.00
• Ice axe: €10.00
• Harness: €10.00
• Helmet: €5.00

What to bring:

• Ski touring skis
• Climbing skins (preferably two pairs)
• Ski touring boots
• Poles
• Avalanche transceiver (beacon)
• Shovel
• Probe
• Harness
• Lanyard with locking carabiner
• Ice axe
• Crampons
• Helmet
• Suitable clothing for high-altitude conditions, including warm gloves and a insulated down jacket
• Thermos with hot tea
• Snacks
• Sleeping bag liner for the huts
• Spare clothes
• Backpack (minimum 30–35 L)

FAQ

1. What skiing level is required to take part?

Participants should have previous ski mountaineering experience, with a good technical level both uphill and downhill.

2. Where does the tour start?

The tour starts in Santa Caterina Valfurva, in the province of Sondrio (Italy).

3. How should I dress during the tour?

As this is a high-altitude tour, you will need clothing suitable for cold temperatures (warm down jacket, thermal leggings, light and heavy gloves). Don’t forget to bring spare clothes for the hut.

4. What level of physical fitness is required?

We will spend long periods above 3,000 metres, which means increased physical effort, and we will be skiing for four consecutive days. Good physical preparation is therefore essential. As a reference, you should be comfortable completing ski tours with 1,500–1,700 metres of elevation gain.