The Drei Zinnen are among the most imposing mountain formations in the Alps and a favorite photo subject for mountaineers and tourists alike. In winter, touring skis offer a chance to get particularly close to the striking rock towers. Far from ski lifts and tourist attractions, this relatively easy ski tour leads to a rocky viewpoint with a direct view of the Drei Zinnen. I want to do that too, I think to myself. No sooner said than done, …
To the Drei Zinnen via the Fischleinbodental
I wiggle my stiff fingers. Clap my hands. It’s cold. My ski touring boots are in walk mode and my skis are on the ground, ready to go. The bindings click as I step in. I shoulder my backpack, look around at Felix and the rest of the group, and finally we’re off. The cold has stiffened our joints. We glide alongside the cross-country ski trail toward the head of the valley, trying to warm up. By the time we reach the Talschlusshütte, we’ve found our rhythm, and the climb gets steeper as we follow tracks already in the snow.
In search of the Dolomites’ most famous landmark
The tracks first lead through wooded stretches, then climb ever higher in switchbacks above the tree line. Immense rock faces stretch out to our left. My gaze wanders over the rugged peaks as I scan the landscape for the familiar rock formation. There’s still no sign of the towers. Only when we reach a plateau covered in fresh snow do the famous peaks appear on the horizon.
Fresh energy for the summit
With our goal in sight, motivation comes naturally. At a brisk pace, we cross the broad field of deep snow. Only shortly before reaching the mountain massif do we have to make a decision. Do we take the route to the Drei-Zinnen-Hütte for a rest, or climb a little farther? For the sake of the view, we opt for the steeper route to the Sextner Stein, just to the right of the hut. The final stretch of elevation takes its toll. Switchback by switchback, we push our way up.
We’re not alone
The view from the summit rewards us for the effort. We’ve had to climb nearly 1.000 meters. Now we gaze in awe at the impressive rock formation, take photos and, shivering, finally peel off our climbing skins. An icy wind is blowing. I press my arms closer to my body and turn around. By now, the viewpoint on the Sextner Stein has filled with people. Two more groups have arrived and are high-fiving loudly.
First the work, then the fun
The other people spur us to hurry. Since we were first to the top, we’re reluctant to let them have first tracks in the untouched powder. My first turns are stiff. My muscles need to warm up again. But before long, the cold is forgotten. On the upper section, snow billows around me. A grin spreads across my face. It could hardly have been better. A largely solitary ascent, a magnificent view and, to top it off, a fantastic descent. My grin gets wider. Yes, those are exactly the things that would make this one of the best ski tours of the season.