Snowshoe hike to Astjoch/Cima Lasta across snowy alpine pastures, with gentle climbs and stunning views of the Dolomites, Pfunderer Mountains and Zillertal Alps.
The snowshoe hike to Astjoch/Cima Lasta (2,194 m) is one of the most scenic winter tours along the Lüsner Kamm/dorsale di Luson. Wide, snow-covered alpine pastures, gentle climbs and impressive mountain views make this a varied experience in the peaceful winter landscape.
The starting point is the small hamlet of Ellen/Elle above St. Lorenzen/San Lorenzo di Sebato. From here, the route initially leads through snow-covered forests and alpine pastures before reaching the open landscape of the Lüsner Kamm/dorsale di Luson. As you gain altitude, the views become increasingly expansive and the surrounding mountains come into full view.
On the way to Astjoch/Cima Lasta, short forest sections alternate with open slopes and panoramic stretches. In good visibility, the views extend across the Pustertal/Val Pusteria and the surrounding mountain ranges. Particularly impressive are the Dolomiten/Dolomiti, Pfunderer Berge/Monti di Fundres and Zillertaler Alpen/Alpi della Zillertal.
The destination is Astjoch/Cima Lasta at 2,194 m. From the summit, a magnificent panoramic view opens up over South Tyrol’s snow-covered mountains. It is worth taking some time for a break and enjoying the peace and vastness of the winter landscape.
Depending on opening times, staffed alpine huts along the route offer the opportunity to stop for refreshments. As winter opening times may vary, it is advisable to check them in advance.
The snowshoe hike leads through alpine, snow-covered terrain. Suitable winter equipment, good physical fitness and experience with snowshoes are therefore recommended. Conditions can vary considerably depending on snow depth, weather and trail conditions.
Please follow the recommendations of the Alpenverein Südtirol (AVS) awareness campaign for snowshoe hiking and always check the current snow, weather and avalanche conditions before setting off. The route should always be adapted to the current conditions.
The snowshoe hike starts at the car park above Ellen/Elle. From here, follow trail no. 67 through the snow-covered alpine landscape of the Lüsen/Luson ridge. The route initially climbs gently across alpine pastures and through sparse woodland. After only a short distance, beautiful views open up over the Pustertal/Val Pusteria and the surrounding mountains.
As you gain altitude, the terrain becomes more open. Continue along trail no. 67 across wide, snow-covered alpine pastures towards Astjoch. The gentle terrain and open landscape characterise this section of the tour and offer impressive mountain views in clear conditions.
After the final ascent, you reach Astjoch at 2,194 m. The summit rewards you with an extensive panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. On clear days, the panorama includes the Dolomites/Dolomiti, Pfunderer Mountains/Monti di Fundres and Zillertal Alps/Alpi della Zillertal.
The return follows the same route. Follow trail no. 67 back across the snow-covered alpine pastures and through the woodland to the starting point near Ellen.
The snowshoe hike leads through winter alpine terrain, some of which may be untracked. Conditions and difficulty can vary considerably depending on snow and weather conditions. Appropriate winter equipment and experience with snowshoes are therefore recommended. Always check the current snow, weather and avalanche conditions before setting out.
From Bruneck/Brunico, take the train, Citybus 420.2, or bus no. 401 or 460 to the bus station in St. Lorenzen/San Lorenzo di Sebato. From there, take bus no. 424 to Ellen and get off at the Kreuzner stop.
From St. Lorenzen/San Lorenzo di Sebato, drive towards Ellen and follow the mountain road uphill. Continue to the Kreuznerhof car park above Ellen, the starting point of the snowshoe hike to Astjoch.
Parking is available directly at the Kreuzner hiking car park, the starting point of the hike. Parking fees apply from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.