Grundschartner North-Ridge, June 25

Finally, it’s here: the perfect day for the north ridge of the Grundschartner. My guest Pit and I happen to have the same day off; it’s just after the summer solstice; the weather is warm, actually very hot, and thunderstorm-free!

The Grundschartner’s shape is somewhat similar to the famous Badile ridge in the Bregaglia Valley. Although far less well known, this mountain offers wonderful climbing on solid “Zillertal granite” (although it is strictly speaking gneiss). Once you’ve completed the almost four-hour approach, you enjoy climbing higher over cracks, slabs, and the occasional overhang. A stunning panorama opens up from the summit: the Northern, Central, and Southern Alps (and the Dolomites, respectively) catch the eye of the skilled mountaineer.

Finally, “only” the approximately four-hour descent remains (which is why it’s recommended to do the tour in early summer to take advantage of existing old snowfields for a speedy descent).

But the magnificent “sea” of thousands of different flowers below the snow line makes up for the effort and has an enchanting effect.