Mountain Tour to Alplerspitze Peak (2,748 m)

A challenging summit hike with an exposed section of trail below the summit cross.

Starting point: Prantach – 6th hairpin bend

End point: Prantach – 6th hairpin bend

Refreshment point: Prantacher Alm – Fartleis Alp

Directions

The hike starts at the parking area (1,110 m) near the Fartleis farmsteads above St. Martin in Passeier. From here, follow trail No. 2, which alternates between footpaths and forest roads as it climbs up to Prantacher Alm – Fartleis Alp (1,470 m).

Beyond the alpine hut, ascend eastwards through numerous switchbacks to the Hühnerspielalm Alp (1,980 m), an unstaffed alpine pasture.

The trail then leads across several grassy slopes towards a steep and technically demanding key section. The route climbs through rocky and scree-covered terrain via a distinctive chimney to reach the summit ridge.

Once on the ridge, turn right and follow the narrow trail, which is exposed in places and secured with cables on some sections, until you reach the summit cross of Alplerspitze (2,748 m).

The descent follows the same route as the ascent, returning via Prantacher Alm - Fartleis to the parking area at the Fartleis farmsteads.

The trail is not suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

Recommended equipment

War sturdy hiking boots, appropriate clothing for the weather and bring sufficient water and provisions.

• Coming from Meran, towards the Passeiertal Valley, take the Jaufenstraße SS44 to St Martin, then turn right onto the small road towards the Passeier Golf Club. After the Golf Lodge Hotel, follow the road to the left in an easterly direction towards Prantach. At the 6th hairpin bend on the left-hand side in Prantach, you will find the car park.

• Coming from the Jaufenpass towards Meran, take the Jaufenstraße SS44 to St. Martin, then turn left onto the small road towards the Passeier Golf Club. After the Golf Lodge Hotel, follow the road to the left in an easterly direction towards Prantach. At the 6th hairpin bend on the left-hand side in Prantach, you will find the car park.

• Coming from the Timmelsjoch towards Moos, continue on the Timmelsjochstraße towards St. Leonhard on the same road, then continue towards Meran on the Jaufenstraße SS44 to St. Martin. Then turn left onto the small road towards the Passeier Golf Club. After the Golf Lodge Hotel, follow the road to the left in an easterly direction towards Prantach. At the 6th hairpin bend on the left-hand side in Prantach, you will find the car park.

Parking is available at the parking lot of the 6th bend on the Prantach road or at the new parking lot further back in the valley in front of the Fartleis-Höfe.

There is no public bus to Prantach. For this tour you need a car to get to the starting point.

This long and technically demanding summit tour requires a good physical condition, surefootedness and a head for heights. Especially the steep ascent through the chimney is very laborious. The last part on the summit ridge is very exposed and requires from the climbers caution, surefootedness and high concentration.

Always stay on marked trails, check the weather conditions before you hike and pay particular attention to snow, wet ground, or slippery sections.