Ortler Ski Tour
Step into a world of towering peaks, sweeping glaciers, and deep alpine heritage with the Ortler Ski Tour, one of the most iconic and rewarding ski traverses in the European Alps. With Valhalla Mountain Guides, you'll explore this unforgettable terrain in the best way possible: with a small, motivated group and expert IFMGA certified mountain guides who live for the mountains.
Set in Italy’s Ortler-Cevedale range, this six-day, hut-to-hut ski adventure takes you through high alpine passes, over vast glaciers, and across ridgelines that deliver panoramic views of the Southern Alps. The terrain is both wild and accessible, offering a perfect balance of challenging ascents, thrilling descents, and technical but manageable ski mountaineering objectives.
But the Ortler is more than just great skiing—it's a journey through history and culture. This region was once the front line of World War I, and evidence of the past still marks the ridges and peaks. Today, it’s known for its beautifully maintained mountain huts (rifugi), where you'll enjoy comfortable lodging, delicious homemade meals, and a warm Italian welcome after each big day in the mountains.
Why Ski the Ortler with Valhalla Mountain Guides?
At Valhalla Mountain Guides, we do more than just lead ski tours—we create experiences that inspire confidence, deepen your connection to the mountains, and leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Our Ortler Ski Tour is designed for experienced backcountry skiers looking for a fully immersive alpine adventure. You'll travel light and fast, carrying only what you need, while enjoying the luxury of fully catered huts each night. Expect manageable but challenging vertical gains, glaciated descents, and a true taste of high alpine life, all under the guidance of our certified IFMGA mountain guides.
Whether you're an experienced ski mountaineer or an experienced backcountry skier looking for your first European hut trip, the Ortler delivers the perfect mix of challenge, reward, and is less crowded than other hut to hut tours such as the Haute Route.
Winter 2026 Dates: March 14-19, 2026
Trip Highlights
6-day point-to-point ski traverse through the Ortler-Cevedale range
Historic WWI-era landscapes and remote high-alpine scenery
Fully catered huts with excellent food, wine, and beer
Opportunities to summit classic peaks like Gran Zebrù and Monte Cevedale
Personalized guiding with small groups (maximum 4:1 ratio)
Avalanche and glacier travel skills in real-world terrain
What’s Included
IFMGA Certified Mountain Guides
All Fees at the Mountain Huts
All Group Climbing/Skiing Gear
Breakfast and Dinner at all Mountain Huts
All Transportation while on the Itinerary
All Fees associated with the Itinerary
What’s Not Included
Meals not listed above
Alcoholic Beverages or Bottled water at huts
Lunches/ snack foods
International Airfare
Personal gear
Airport Transfers
Excess baggage charges and airport taxes
Any extra night stays before/after Itinerary
Any expenses occurred during an early departure (Evacuation/transport)
Charges incurred that alter the trip Itinerary out of the control of Valhalla Mountain Guides
Guide Gratuities
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change based on the weather. All of the huts we stay in host brilliant terrain out their doorstep. After arriving at the hut each day there is endless opportunity for more ski touring.
Day 1 – Arrival & Approach to Rifugio Forni
Meeting location: Santa Caterina Valfurva or Bormio, Italy
Elevation gain: ~800–1,300 ft (if skiing in)
We’ll meet in the charming town of Santa Caterina or nearby Bormio for a trip briefing and gear check before heading up to Rifugio Forni (7,145 ft), our base on the edge of the glacier. Depending on snow coverage, we may skin in or take a snowcat or shuttle.
Night: Rifugio Forni – Comfortable, well-situated, and a perfect jumping-off point.
Day 2 – Traverse to Rifugio Branca via Punta San Matteo (optional)
Elevation gain: ~3,000 ft
Descent: ~1,600 ft
Our tour begins with a traverse across the Forni Glacier, and if conditions allow, we’ll detour to climb Punta San Matteo (12,053 ft) for sweeping views and a memorable descent. We’ll finish the day at Branca Hut—one of the most beloved in the Alps.
Night: Rifugio Branca (8,160 ft) – Known for great meals, coffee, and atmosphere.
Day 3 – Glacier Tour to Rifugio Pizzini
Elevation gain: ~3,300–4,000 ft
Descent: ~2,600 ft
Today we travel deeper into the Ortler range, navigating glaciers and high passes. Optional summits like Monte Pasquale (11,653 ft) or Tresero offer rewarding views and ski lines. Expect a full alpine day with incredible scenery.
Night: Rifugio Pizzini (8,875 ft) – High-altitude base with close access to major peaks.
Day 4 – Summit Day: Gran Zebrù or Monte Cevedale
Elevation gain: 3,600–4,300 ft
Descent: Variable, with large vertical return
Choose between two iconic objectives:
Gran Zebrù (12,634 ft) – A steep, technical ascent with a thrilling descent (conditions dependent)
Monte Cevedale (12,362 ft) – A slightly more moderate, glaciated peak with excellent skiing
Route selection will depend on conditions and group ability.
Night: Return to Rifugio Pizzini or reposition to Rifugio Casati (10,000+ ft) for easier access the next day.
Day 5 – Glacier Traverse to Marteller Hütte (Zufallhütte)
Elevation gain: ~2,300–3,000 ft
Descent: ~3,300 ft
A spectacular traverse through the Cevedale-Zufallspitze area, possibly including a summit detour. Descend into the peaceful Martell Valley and settle into one of the more remote huts of the trip.
Night: Marteller Hütte (7,425 ft) – Cozy and quiet, surrounded by untouched terrain.
Day 6 – Final Ski Tour & Descent to Valley
Elevation gain: 2,000–2,600 ft
Descent: 5,000+ ft
Wrap up the tour with one last peak—Cima Marmotta (11,155 ft) is a great option—or a direct ski out through the Martell Glacier. This long descent brings us back to the valley floor, where we’ll shuttle back to Santa Caterina or Bormio.
Prerequisites
The Ortler Ski Tour is ideal for intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers with solid fitness and experience in variable snow conditions. Prior ski touring experience is essential, and comfort with kick turns, steep terrain, and multi-day touring is recommended. Our team will help you prepare physically and technically so you can make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime tour.
Prior backcountry ski experience required
Able to ski black diamonds at the ski resort in a variety of conditions
Able to do 3,000 ft of ascent per day.
Required Equipment
Group Size & Pricing
4:1 skier to guide ratio - $2,800 per person*
*Pricing based on group of 4, adjustments will be made for smaller groups.
Please read our Cancellation & Refund Policies before booking.