Ortler region – In the realm of the Ortler

🏔️ The Ortler & Its Glaciers

The Ortler is not only South Tyrol's highest mountain, but also one of the most challenging three-thousand-metre peaks in the Alps. It was first climbed in 1804 by Josef Pichler. The Königsspitze (3,851 m) is considered one of the most beautiful peaks in the Eastern Alps, while other classics include the Zebru (3,735 m) and Monte Cevedale (3,769 m).

Interesting fact: The glaciers have lost over 50% of their surface area in the last 150 years – a visible sign of climate change.

☀️ Summer activities – high-altitude tours & hikes

High-altitude tours & mountaineering:
Climbing the Ortler from the Payer Hut (3,029 m) is the dream of many mountaineers. The tour requires alpine and glacier experience and absolute sure-footedness. Other classics are the Königsspitze via the north ridge and Monte Cevedale from the Martelltal valley. Beginners only with a mountain guide!

Hiking 🥾
For hikers, the Suldental valley offers glacier nature trails with views of the Ortler. In the Martelltal valley, hikes lead to the turquoise-blue Zufallhütten huts (2,265 m) with spectacular glacier panoramas.

Other activities:

• Climbing: 🧗‍♂️ Multi-pitch routes in granite
  
• Via ferrata: Hoher Gang via ferrata with views of the Ortler
  
• Mountain biking: Trails in the Martell and Suldental valleys
  
• Paragliding: 🪂 Tandem flights from Madritsch
  
• Wildlife watching: Ibex and marmots in the national park

❄️ Winter activities – skiing beneath three-thousand-metre peaks

Sulden am Ortler ski resort: The highest ski resort in South Tyrol (1,900–3,250 m) offers 44 kilometres of slopes with guaranteed snow from November to May. The descent from Madritsch (3,250 m) directly below the ice walls of the Ortler is spectacular.

Ski touring: ⛷️ The Ortler area is a paradise for ski tourers with over 30 classic routes. Ideal conditions prevail in spring (March-May).

Other winter activities:

• Snowshoeing: Guided tours in the national park
  
• Winter hiking: Cleared paths through the Sulden and Martell valleys
  
• Ice climbing: On frozen waterfalls in the Martell valley
  
• Cross-country skiing: Trails in Sulden and Martelltal
  
• Freeriding: Deep snow descents from Madritsch (only with a mountain guide!)

🏛️ Culture & sights

The First World War left deep scars on the region. At over 3,000 metres, troops fought under extreme conditions – the so-called ‘White War’. Historical positions can still be visited today.

Cultural highlights:

• 🏛️ Messner Mountain Museum Ortles in Sulden – museum dedicated to ice and glaciers
  
• Historical war positions on Monte Scorluzzo
  
• The parish church of Sulden ⛪ with a view of the Ortler
  
• The Martelltal valley with its unspoilt mountain farming culture