16741

Italy: Backcountry Skiing Camp - Magerstein

The weather finally improved on the third day of our fourth Chera Hiking Backcountry Skiing Camp, which meant it was time for a truly royal tour. We drove to Rein in Taufers (Riva di Tures), where we began our ascent towards Kasseler Hütte. After a short break at the hut, we continued on our way, as our main objective - the 3273-meter-high Magerstein - was still far away. Soon we found ourselves traversing the Westlicher Rieserferner Glacier. Unfortunately, the weather began to deteriorate. Visibility dropped significantly, and the strengthening wind started to show its teeth. Faced with these increasingly challenging conditions, many participants decided to turn around. A few of us, however, remained determined and continued all the way to the summit. Reaching the top of Magerstein was a rewarding moment, but due to the poor visibility and strong wind, we didn't stay long before beginning our descent. The first 100 vertical meters offered little visibility, but then the clouds finally broke apart, revealing fantastic slopes covered in excellent snow. Suddenly, all the effort of the ascent was forgotten, and we enjoyed some truly memorable skiing. Back at Kasseler Hütte, a well-earned beer was only the beginning of a successful hydration session. Refreshed and in high spirits, we set off for the final descent into the valley. The snow conditions lower down were far from ideal, so we opted for a steep forest trail - a choice that nobody in the group will forget anytime soon. After a long and adventurous day, everyone returned safely to the valley - Garmin Connect. Another unforgettable tour and another reminder that perseverance, good teamwork, and sound decision-making are key ingredients of every mountain adventure.

Previous days of our backcountry skiing camp in Ahrntal Valley: Day 2 - 16740, Day 1 - 16739.

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)

Start of our royal trip.

In Rieserferner Group of the High Tauern.

It's a beautiful day.

Kasseler Hütte stands at 2177 m.

Time for another push.

Looking for options where to ski on our way back.

 

Long way to the top.

The smell of fresh snow.

 

Approaching the Westlicher Rieserferner Glacier, a frozen giant nestled between Magerstein and Schneebiger Nock in the heart of the Rieserferner Group.

The summit was closer and closer, but the weather worsen every minute.

Some of us on top of Magerstein, 3273 m.

 

Rodeo on the way back in the lower section.

 

I don't know if that is also called skiing, but I guess it is still fun.

#BackcountrySkiing #CheraHiking #RieserfernerGroup