For those looking to experience the spellbinding Ortler panorama up close without having to complete a challenging ski tour, this excursion to the Vorderes Schöneck peak (2,886 m) is the answer. Not only does this tour feature a relatively easy ascent, it also boasts a breathtaking and unique all-round view of King Ortler and the surrounding peaks.
Directions
The ascent begins above the Hotel Marlet. Start by heading left and following the steeply ascending forest road until you come to a small clearing at 2,200 m. Keep heading left as far as the Kälberhütte mountain hut. From there, make your way straight up until you find yourself beneath the large slope above the tree line. Then head diagonally left to reach the cairn on top of the boulder at 2,370 m.
You now have two options:
Option 1
Head straight up to 2,500 m, then leave the slope on your left and head diagonally right towards the ridge – now at 2,700 m, you’re almost there. The trail heads left across the broad ridge, becoming slightly steeper as it leads you to the small subpeak. Go past the right-hand side of this subpeak to reach the end of the hike, which is denoted by another cairn on top of a large boulder.
Option 2
Starting from the first cairn, head left through the hollow until shortly before the boulder at 2,500 m. Bear right onto the ridge, then head left until you reach the fence above the boulder. As you traverse the remainder of the long ridge, keep heading straight on until just below the small subpeak. The end point of the hike is below and to the left of this subpeak, featuring a cairn atop a boulder. The peak, which takes the form of a gentle rise, is considered a sister summit to the Hinteres Schöneck peak.
Parking
At the entrance of the village, between Hotel Bambi and Hotel Eller, there is a paid public parking lot. It offers a sufficient number of parking spaces and is easily accessible from the main road.