A winter hike through the Altafossa valley in Val Pusteria
The simplicity of the mountains in winter is made up of tiny details and nuances. There is a chilly scent that permeates the mountain valleys and finds its way inside us: a fragrance reminiscent of the falling snow, and the freezing wind blowing as we walk, on those days when the sky is blue, with only the occasional cloud. The white surrounding us sparkles in the pale sunlight, and the trees seem to rest in peace and quiet. A winter hike brings that special feeling like no other, a feeling found especially in the more hidden-away valleys.
Which is why we find ourselves walking in a side valley at the entrance to the Val Pusteria, going past Bressanone and ascending from the Val d’Ega. This valley is one of the lesser known locations in the South Tyrol region, which is why it holds an unspoilt traditional charm. The Altafossa Valley is located in the Fundres Mountains, near Maranza. From here, a gentle forest trail leads to a wonderful mountain hut in the heart of the valley.
The path takes us into the silence of the forest, leading us slightly uphill to the Großberghütte mountain hut. Here, the valley opens up and gradually reveals itself beyond the tree line, the wide open spaces that surround the hut making it seem like the subject of a painting, with the mountains in the background. The landscape is dotted with other mountain huts, while the nearby peaks of the Fundres mountains tower over the valley. The path is easy to follow, leading us past the gentle, ceaseless flow of the picturesque waters of a small stream.
The temperature drops sharply, and the snow is now mixed with ice on the beaten forest track, but our Tamaskan 2.0 hiking boots ensure excellent support, featuring Primaloft® lining with a warm and waterproof coating, and an exclusive Vibram sole, made with Arctic Grip technology, which offers exceptional grip on snow and ice.
The light gradually dims as orange gives way to the blazing red of sunset, offering a glimpse of the winter mountain landscape and an intoxicating view of the Dolomites in the distance.
