Sunrise at Schneidalm (South Tyrol)

• Start: Pfelders
• Destination: Schneidalm
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Signpost: No. 6A
• Trail length: 7.2 km
• Walking time: 1.5 hours (ascent); 1.5 hours (descent)
• Altitude difference: 520 m
• Altitude of destination: 2159 m
• Refreshment stops: There are restaurants in the village, otherwise only at the Schneidalm
• Experienced: Early September 2020

Journey to the starting point

By car via Merano into the Passeiertal to Pfelders (ski area). There are sufficient, but paid parking spaces. We paid 6€ for a day ticket.

By bus number 240 from Merano train station to St. Leonhard bus station. Then change and take bus 241 to Pfelders (ski area).

Start of the tour

We start our tour at 4 p.m., laden with tent and sleeping bag, at the large parking lot at the ski area in Pfelders. From there, trail number 6A leads us through steep grass and bush slopes up to the Schneidalm, which we reach at 5:30.

Note: You only see the alpine hut when you are standing in front of it :-).

As a reward after the ascent, we first treat ourselves to a cool wheat beer.

Small tip: The Kaiserschmarrn at the Schneidalm is really delicious and almost too beautifully decorated to eat ;-)

Camping at the Schneidalm

You should call a day before you want to have breakfast at the Schneidalm to reserve a spot. We also personally asked the alpine hut hostess if it was possible to camp there, as they do not have rooms for overnight stays. This is not a problem at all, and we are warmly welcomed at the hut. We camp in the meadow next to it, where cows graze. The innkeeper even put up a provisional fence around our tent so that we wouldn't be disturbed by the cows at night - very friendly :-).

Note: In principle, camping without permission is NOT allowed in South Tyrol. It is best to ask the owner of the property (if private) if you can camp there.

Important: For camping, the weather must be right! We are incredibly lucky and have fantastic weather with a clear starry night. I even see a shooting star for the first time in my life! :-) The best time of year for camping is summer, preferably July. September is a bit too late for camping, and we have to pack quite warmly to avoid freezing.

Sunrise breakfast at the Schneidalm

At 6:00 a.m. we are woken up by an orange sky - a dream! We quickly get dressed and make our way to the alpine hut, because it won't be long until sunrise.

The breakfast is simply great! From 6:30 a.m. you can help yourself to the delicious buffet for only €17 per person and find everything you could wish for. From freshly squeezed juice, bread, muesli, alpine cheese, sausage, and even homemade yeast braid with jams, everything was there. You can even order egg dishes and, of course, coffee, if you wish.

Many also simply start in the night and then arrive at the alpine hut in the morning, just in time for sunrise. This option is of course also available if you don't want to camp.

You can enjoy the sunrise at 6:40 a.m. with breakfast on the outdoor terrace or in the warm parlor. We choose the warm parlor, as it is still quite fresh. However, we still take a few snapshots with the camera... We have a wonderful view of Pfelders. The day can begin!

Return journey

The way back to the Pfelders ski area is either the same way as the way there or from the hut downwards on path 6A until you reach the Lazinser Steig branching off to the right (signpost "Lazins"). We chose this one. The path takes half an hour longer, but it is much more beautiful and leads us along a sunny valley path to Zeppichl. Here you could also make a detour to the Lazinser Alm, which is not far from the path. From there it goes further down the valley on the forest road to Pfelders to our car. In total, it was about 1.5 hours of walking time.

Conclusion

We won't forget this weekend anytime soon! Whether for couples or friends, a visit to the Schneidalm with a sunrise breakfast is a fantastic and unique experience! Whether you want to camp or prefer to hike up to the alpine hut in the morning is entirely up to you. The alpine hut owners will always give you a warm welcome.

The path is not suitable for strollers, as it is quite steep and stony.

Sure-footedness is important as with any hike, but there are no dangerously exposed passages.

We highly recommend the tour (and especially the breakfast) and will definitely be back!

Best regards,

Anna