Ski touring at Sattele peak with Focus On Trips
In the winter landscape, we can always experience the mountains in different ways and approaches. We can focus on speed or slowness, on adrenalin or silence. An ascent with ski touring skins allows us to combine different approaches, sliding uphill on snow and combining complementary sensations.
We are in Val Sarentino, a quiet and relatively little-known valley located north of Bolzano. The Sarentine Alps surround it in a horseshoe shape, closing it off to the north and leaving a single outlet to the south that leads right to the gates of the South Tyrolean capital. The Sattele peak is located near the Reinswald (San Martino) ski area in the heart of the Sarntal valley. It is one of the most scenic places in the Sarntal Alps: from here, the view stretches grandly across the Dolomites to the Stubai Alps, with the Tribulaun catching the eye.
The winter trail to the Sattele peak (2,460 metres above sea level) can be hiked (with or without snowshoes, depending on the snow conditions) and also with skins, and runs close to the ski lifts and ski slopes of the Reinswald ski resort in Val Sarentino (you can therefore ski down the slopes).
We set off near the valley station of the Reinswald cable car, following the track of a snow-covered forest road into the forest. The crisp early morning air of a winter day accompanies us on the ascent. At the same time, the various layers that make up our clothing begin to take effect, and we start to shed the heavier outer jackets.
The sun rises above the summit of the nearby Monte Villandro, which dominates the valley. Rising in altitude, behind us the view begins to extend as far as the Brenta Dolomites and then towards Presanella and Ortles.
The groomed snow path has several very comfortable sections, while others are decidedly steeper (where care must be taken). We continue to slide the skins of our skis uphill on the snow, which has a compact and stiff surface. Brave ski touring poles accompany us both uphill and downhill, with their long foam grip allowing for different grips. Their maximum grip guarantees safety on the ascent, and in addition they are foldable, ultra-light and foldable aluminium.
Before the summit, the last section of the trail crosses a snowy expanse where the view opens up considerably. With a final, steeper section, we reach the Sattele summit, near which the summit cross is located. A 360 degree panorama surrounds the summit, with the Dolomite groups of Catinaccio, Sciliar, Sassolungo, Sella, Puez and Odle capturing the scene to the east, while to the west Ortles, Presanella and the Brenta Dolomites still dominate the view. A strong, cold wind blows over the summit, raising snow dust like tiny specks of ice.
For this reason, the change of clothes and trim must be particularly quick, allowing us to be ready for the descent. In spite of this, body, mind and sight still do not want to separate themselves from this place, from the panorama and its reminders. We therefore try to visually gather as many details as possible, to preserve and cherish them within us, in this postcard of a winter experience.
