Mountain tour on the Alta Via di Neves

We leave our car at the parking space near Lake Neves in Lappago (1,868 m a.s.l., subject to a fee) and start our tour hiking along the lake shore towards north until we reach the signpost "Rifugio Porro", which leads us into the forest. We gain height on a well maintained hiking trail, which crosses the forest road several times. Passing the Neves mountain hut we finally arrive at the Porro mountain hut (2,419 m). After a short rest we continue our tour on trail n° 1, the Alta Via di Neves high-altitude path.

At the foot of Mt Gran Mesulé (3,480 m) and Mt Punta Bianca (3,371 m) we hike quite steeply upwards towards north before the trail leads us down to a mountain brook, which we cross over a small bridge. From here, the trail takes us up and down through the impressive glacial landscape at the foot of the Zillertal Alps. Since one section of the trail was washed away by a thunderstorm, we hike on a very well signposted alternative trail, which leads us to a beautiful glacier lake.

We enjoy breathtaking views of the Fundres Mountains, Lake Neves, the Dolomites in the south and even closer: Mt Cima di Campo, Mt Punta Bianca and Mt Gran Mesulè. The country is partly grassy, partly rocky, some sections are secured with ropes. Again and again we are impressed by glacier streams rushing down to the valley. After about 3.5 hours of hiking on the Alta Via di Neves we reach the Ponte di Ghiaccio mountain hut (2,545 m), where we enjoy a delicious lunch. After a very nice lunch rest we take trail n° 26 through the Valle delle Pipe until we finally reach Lake Neves, our starting point.

Please note: this hiking tour is of medium difficulty and requires a good physical condition as well as sure footedness and good hiking boots. However, after heavy thunderstorms or heat, some streams can grow significantly and be not be passable anymore. Therefore, a good preparation and early departure are indispensable!

Author: BS