Snowshoe walk on Resciesa

The Resciesa pasture rises high above Ortisei and acts as a natural border between Val Gardena and neighbouring Val di Funes. From the top you can spot several dolomitic giants such as the Geisler in the Puez-Geisler Nature Park, Sassolungo, Marmolada and Ortler mountains. Especially the view of Sassolungo, Val Gardena's eternal symbol, is magnificient from here - the locals tend to agree it is the best in the valley.

We're now going to describe two popular snowshoe walks on Resciesa. The first itinerary is shorter, doesn't have a particularly large altitude difference to overcome and the best choice for a half-day trip. It is therefore not too challenging. The view and experience are still first class, though!

Coming from the Autostrada del Brennero (A22) highway, drive into Val Gardena (SS242) to Ortisei. We advise parking at the valley station of the Seceda lift, where you’ll find a big parking lot (subject to payement). It’s just a 5 minute walk to the funicular.

Val Gardena is also excellently served by public transportation. Line 350 departs from Ponte Gardena or Chiusa to Ortisei every 30 minutes. From “Piazza San Antonio” (Anthony Square) stop it is only a 10 minute walk, partly along a comfortable escalator, to reach the Resciesa funicular. For detailed schedules, see SüdtirolMobil.

To begin the tour, take the funicular to the top of Resciesa. Once you arrive at the mountain station, start heading East by passing behind the hut (follow the signs). Although you'll be following a prepared track, it's possible to put on your snowshoes right away! After only a few minutes you'll reach the Cason hut (2,111 m / 6,925 ft.).

Keep wakling until you reach a crucifix, then continue uphill through the woods. Soon you'll reach the edge of the forest and the wide pastures of Resciesa will extend at your feet. You'll notice a little tower made of rocks nearby - it's called "Ciampanil de Livio" and was built by a bored shepherd while his sheep were grazing in the surrounding pastures.

From here you'll be able to clearly make out the crest of Resciesa. You can reach it in little time by following a trail uphill. Once you get to the ridge, walk along it to the west (you should be able to make out a crucifix in the distance) and you'll eventually reach the highest part of the alp (2,281 m/7,483ft.).

Attention: Never venture too far over the ridge! There is a serious risk of falling. 

Take your time to enjoy the 360 degree view from the top. To your left, you'll be able to admire the pastures above Villandro, to the North the mountains of Zillertal, to the South Alpe di Siusi with mount Sciliar and the Rosengarten, and to the East of course the unmistakable Odle mountains. This view alone is worth the excursion - it's one of the best in the valley.

Once you've taken it all in, simply hike back in direction Resciesa hut - that is your last chance to enjoy a well-deserved break before returning to the mountain station and getting back to Ortisei.

The second itinerary for a snowshoe walk on Resciesa starts at the intermediate station of the Seceda cable car. In other words, do not take the Resciesa funicular as described above, but take the Seceda cable car and get out at the first stop.

This route follows peaceful forest trails all the way to the mountain station of Resciesa, then continues along the itinerary described in option 1.

Once you arrive at the intermediate station, you can immediately put on your snowshoes and get going. Don't follow the ski slope towards Ortisei, but stark walking uphill along the prepared track, towards the pastures. After a few minutes, the noises of the ski slopes and lifts will have subsided.

Once you reach the first trees, the trail continues downhill a little and then turns left, crossing a wooden bridge. Keep going. After following the path for a while, you'll come across the steepest part of the excursion. Once the climb is overcome, the trail becomes flatter and continues through the woods until the mountain station of Resciesa. Read "Option 1" to find out how to continue all the way to the crucifix and highest point of this tour (2,281 m / 7,483 ft.).

• Total length of the variant: 6 km
• Difference in altitude: 612 m
• Total duration: 4-5 hours

Thanks to the Resciesa funicular, it's easy to reach a considerable altitude with no effort at all. This makes this alp a popular destination. Coming here is especially beautiful in the afternoon, when the setting sun colors the landscape with an incredible light.

Attention: The pastures of Resciesa offer few huts and reference points. Since they are mostly situated above the tree line, orientation in fog can become very difficult. Keep an eye on the weather!

Equipment can be rented from the alpine guides of the Catores alpine school (10 € for snowshoes and sticks). They can also give you great first-hand information on snow and weather conditions. If it’s your first time with snowshoes, we recommend hiring a guide! Another option consists in joining a group excursion - these are organized daily and have different lengths and degrees of difficulty (price starts from 35 € per person). Snowshoeing equipment can also be rented at Sport Gardena in St. Anthony Square in Ortisei.

• Tabacco Nr. 05, Gröden-Val Gardena or Nr. 07, Alta Badia, Arabba, Marmolada. The tabacco maps are available in their app. 
• AV-Map Nr. 52/I