As its neighbour, the Collaspro, also the Collalto, the “high shining mountain”, is part of the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park
Image gallery: Monte Collalto
With its 3,436 m, the Collalto (Hochgall in German) is the “King of the Vedrette di Ries” Group and highest peak of the mountain group, which is a subgroup of the High Tauern. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful peaks of the Eastern Alps. The Collalto is located between South and East Tyrol, still on South Tyrolean territory.
In 1854 the Hochgall was climbed for the first time (“Galle” terms the bluish ice at the slopes). Until a few decades ago, the north wall was well-known and popular as an ice climbing tour, meanwhile the ice is melted off too much.
The mountain is reputed to be quite difficult. It can be climbed from South Tyrol, starting in Riva di Tures via the Kasseler Mountain Hut (2,274 m a.s.l.) and also from East Tyrol via the Barmer Mountain Hut (2,610 m). The 360 degree view from the top stretches until the Zillertal Alps, the Grossvenediger and Grossglockner and the famous peaks of the Dolomites in the south.
