Winter hike at the Catinaccio: an easy route through the forest for anyone seeking a relaxed walk
Image gallery: Winter hike to the Messnerjoch Mountain Hut
Calling this a hike is almost an exaggeration for such a short tour at the foot of the Catinaccio Group. The destination is reached in just 30 to 45 minutes, as the path is wide and well groomed. Over a distance of two kilometres, the route climbs a little more than 200 metres in altitude.
From the car park at the Passo Nigra above Carezza, we follow trail no. 1, which leads directly to the hut in the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park. The forest road climbs gently through coniferous woodland. After half an hour, the view opens up across the open scenery on the edge of the Carezza Dolomites Ski Area between the Fronza alle Coronelle Hut and the Frommer Hut.
From here, it takes only a few more minutes to walk up to the Messnerjoch Hut. In the dining parlour or on the terrace at 1,925 metres a.s.l. - with clear views of the Latemar, Mt. Corno Nero, Mt. Corno Bianco, and the Catinaccio - traditional South Tyrolean specialities are served.
Highlights include bacon dumplings, liver dumplings, and homemade cakes. In the afternoon, Kaiserschmarrn is served with lingonberry jam or apple purée. We return on the same path.
Author: AT
Experienced: February 2017
Last updated: 2026
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- Starting point:
- Passo Nigra in the Val d'Ega valley (1,696 m a.s.l.)
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- Overall time:
- 01:25 h
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- Total route length:
- 3,8 km
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- Altitude:
- from 1.696 m to 1.930 m
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- Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):
- +242 m | -235 m
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- Signposts:
- no. 1
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- Destination:
- Messnerjoch Hut (1,930 m a.s.l.)
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- Resting points:
- Messnerjoch Hut (December to the end of March resp. early April)
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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:
- Winter hike to the Messnerjoch Mountain Hut
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- More information:
- The overall time shown above refers to the walking time only, not including breaks or stops.
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!
