The sheep return to Schnalstal Valley in September – as has been the case for hundreds of years.
Niedertalm Mountain hut – Giogo basso/Niederjoch (3,019 m) – VERNAGO/Vernagt (1,700 m)
Up to 2,200 sheep and 300 goats set off from the Niedertal Alm Mountain hut in Vent valley (A) in the early morning, moving upwards through high-Alpine terrain (not dangerous) to Giogo Basso/Niederjoch (3,019 m) or the Refuge Similaun, the first group in the herd arriving at about 9:00 a.m. The most dangerous part of the return journey begins here, particularly if there is snow on the ground or the trail or parts of it are icy. Below the hut, the procession winds downhill on quite a narrow trail through steep and rocky terrain (down to about 2,600 m). The ground then becomes more level and less dangerous. After a short respite in the centre of Tisental valley, the herd continues down the mountain towards Vernago/Vernagt, arriving just before 2:00 p.m. From far away (1/2 hour before it arrives) you can already see the never-ending line of sheep. Accommodation and refreshments available at the Mountain hut Martin Busch and the Refuge Similaun.
Return of the sheep from the Giogo Basso to Vernago/Vernagt on saturday, 9th of september 2023
Rofenbergalm Muntain hut – Giogo Alto/Hochjoch (2.856 m) – MASO CORTO/Kurzras (2.011 m)
Early in the morning, about 1,500 sheep set off from the Rofenberg Alm Mountain hut in Vent valley (A). From there, the trail leads through high-Alpine terrain (not dangerous) upwards towards Giogo Alto/Hochjoch or the Refuge Bella Vista (2,845 m). The herd arrives there between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. After a short break at the hut, the procession continues down the mountain at a gentle pace, initially through steep, rocky terrain and then onto more level ground, then across steep ground again, to Maso Corto/Kurzras where the herd arrives between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Accommodation and refreshments available at the Hochjoch Hospitz hut and the Refuge Bella Vista.
Return of the sheep from the Rofenberg Alm Mountain hut passing the Giogo Alto to Maso Corto/Kurzras on sunday, 10th of september 2023
Schedule may change if weather conditions are bad