Italy: Backcountry Skiing Camp - Golatsch
The fourth edition of our Chera Hiking backcountry skiing camp has finally come around, and once again the road led us to Italy - this time to South Tyrol, deep in the Ahrntal Valley (Valle Aurina). After a long drive from Slovenia, we rolled into Prettau (Predoi), where the mountains were already wrapped in low clouds and less-than-friendly weather. Still, spirits were high. Gear on our backs, skis ready, we set out with a simple plan: head toward the Malga Steger hut and see what the day would bring. But as often happens in the mountains, plans are more of a suggestion than a rule. Somewhere on the ascent, a few of us veered off course and decided to tag a nearby peak first - Golatsch. The climb gave us exactly what we came for: quiet slopes, a bit of effort, and that satisfying moment of standing on a small summit in winter conditions. Eventually, we made our way back down and continued toward the hut. A well-earned stop, a warm atmosphere inside, and of course a beer that tasted better than it probably should have after a day in the cold. From there, it was time to drop back into the valley (Garmin Connect). We packed the last of our gear into the cars and drove onward to Steinhaus, where we finally settled into our apartment- tired legs, good memories, and already half-thinking about the next day in the mountains.
Previous backcountry skiing camps:
- Planina v Lazu: Day 1 (15652), Day 2 (15653), Day 3 (15654), Day 4 (15655)
- Komna - Majerca hut: Day 1 (16016), Day 2 (16017), Day 3 (16018), Day 4 (16019)
- Campill / Lungiarü: Day 1 (16373), Day 2 (16374), Day 3 (16375)
Even though the weather was changing, we still reached the summit of Golatsch.
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| The ridge continued over Stege Ötschen to Lengspitz, but this cross at Golatsch was the endpoint for us. |
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| Beer at the Malga Steger hut. |
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| Our group. |
Our apartments. We occupied the whole house.
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| Some serious planning for tomorrow. |
