Ultimo and Alsago: hiking and cycling on the Val Venosta High Route and the Malles Heath
Image gallery: Ultimo - Alsago
Two hamlets, one administrative unit: A short walk separates the two small villages on the eastern edge of the Malles Heath. Alsago, with the Church of Our Lady of the Snow, lies on the slope below Mt. Salisatis, a peak in the Planol Mountains. On the edge of the village, the path leads uphill to the Albl and then to the Planol Mountain Hut, a viewpoint in the Planól Valley. The alpine hut is also accessible from there. Mountain bikers appreciate this tour just as much as nature lovers.
A few hundred metres along the road, and you will find yourself in Ultimo (Ulten), which is usually called Ultimo near Malles to avoid confusion with the Val d'Ultimo near Lana. Ultimo also consists of just a few houses, a bus stop, and St. Joseph's Chapel with its pyramidal roof dating from 1719. In addition, there is the "aftmult" farmstead dairy.
In Ultimo, the track for the hike across the Malles Heath begins. The fields were once important for Tyrol and widely known as the region's breadbasket. Today, flowers bloom and cows graze here. The ancient irrigation channels, known as "Waale", still criss-cross the area and make for beautiful hike following the Waalwege paths. The tour takes you to Burgusio with the Monte Maria Abbey, past the Prince's Castle towards Clusio, and then into the main village of Malles.
The Val Venosta High Route also touches upon the Malles Heath and then climbs again, offering hikers expansive views over the Val Venosta. In winter, Ultimo and Alsago (Alsack), like all villages in the municipality of Malles, benefit from their proximity to the Slingia Nordic Ski Centre and the local mountain Watles, a ski area on the other side of the valley that is well-suited for families.
