The Cima di Pleres, a three-thousand-metre peak in the Oetztal Alps, can be reached from the Val di Mazia across steep terrain
Image gallery: Ski tour to Mount Cima di Pleres
Starting from the parking space at the Glieshof in Mazia, we set off on our ski tour up a three-thousand-metre summit: the Cima di Pleres in the Oetztal Alps. This tour is particularly recommended in spring following a cold, clear night. Here in the upper Val di Mazia, the forest track begins along the left bank of the Rio Saldura, leading further into the valley.
Safe snow conditions are already required at this point! The route winds past the Mazia Mountain Hut into open and very steep terrain. Depending on snow conditions, this alpine hut at 2,050 metres altitude also opens in winter and is known for its mountain cheese, bread from bakeries in Val Venosta, and local meat. Negotiating numerous kick turns, we reach the tree line.
On moderately steep slopes we continue towards the Planaler Loch. Within this hollow, we find ourselves below the Forcella Valvell ridge: Traversing to the right, we reach a flat plateau. From here, we look straight at the rock-strewn summit of Mt. Cima di Pleres, or Pleresspitze in German.
On the left-hand side, we tackle the summit slope with short kick turns, set up the ski depot just below the gap, and continue the ascent on foot. After four hours, we reach the highest point at 3,188 metres. The panoramic view of the Oetztal Alps and the Samnaun, Verwall, Silvretta, and Sesvenna Alps makes every bit of exertion worthwhile. The descent follows the ascent track.
Author: BS
Experienced: March 2011
Last updated: 2026
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- Starting point:
- parking space at the Glieshof in the Val di Mazia (1,824 m a.s.l.)
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- Overall time:
- 04:00 h
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- Total route length:
- 6,0 km
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- Altitude:
- from 1.824 m to 3.188 m
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- Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):
- +1367 m | -0 m
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- Route:
- Mazia - Mazia Mountain Hut - Planaler Loch hollow - ski deposit - Mt. Cima di Pleres
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- Destination:
- summit of Mt. Cima di Pleres (3,188 m a.s.l.)
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- Resting points:
- Hotel Glieshof at the starting point (end of January to early April), Mazia Mountain Hut (opening hours subject to weather and snow conditions: +39 327 437 4655)
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Ski tour to Mount Cima di Pleres
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- More information:
- The data listed above for overall time, total route length, and altitude difference refer to the ascent from Mazia to the summit of Mt. Cima di Pleres - any breaks and the descent on skis are not included. Orientation of the slope: S-E (south-east).
We highly recommend checking the weather conditions in advance and on site before starting your tour. Don't forget to check the current avalanche forecast!
