The Ortler Alps feel like a secret corner of the Italian Alps—a mix of rugged peaks, hanging glaciers, and green valleys that feel worlds away from the busier Dolomites to the east. Our new Ryder-Walker trek takes us deep into Stelvio National Park, through remote mountain passes, glacier basins, and charming alpine villages. It’s the kind of trip where one day you’re hiking above treeline with panoramic views, and the next you’re strolling through quiet meadows in the Valtellina Valley or relaxing with a cappuccino in a sunlit piazza.
An Epic Eight-Day Adventure
This trip blends the best of Italy’s alpine culture with dramatic mountain scenery. Our adventure begins in Bormio, a historic spa town that opens the way to high alpine valleys and classic passes. From here, we cross Passo Viola to the Swiss border, traverse from Passo del Foscagno to the turquoise Cancano Lakes, and climb through Val Cedec to Rifugio Pizzini beneath Monte Zebrù before continuing over the storied Zebrù Pass with panoramic views of the Cevedale and Forni glaciers. Midway, the pace shifts aboard the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage railway into Switzerland’s Engadine, paired with a high-country hike above Lago Bianco. The trek concludes in Val di Mello, often referred to as Little Yosemite, a granite-walled valley of forests, meadows, and rushing rivers—the perfect place to slow down and take it all in.
The Ryder-Walker Touch
Our trip stands out for its contrasts: dramatic alpine terrain, glacier views, and long days on the trail, but also offers warm Italian hospitality and cozy boutique hotels at the end of the day. There’s even a night in a traditional mountain hut, a reminder that you’re in the heart of the Alps, where hiking culture runs deep.
As a guided trek, every detail is taken care of. Our experienced guides are there to navigate the trails, share stories of the region, and ensure everything runs smoothly leaving you free to simply arrive ready to hike and enjoy the journey. This itinerary was designed especially for Ryder-Walker by one of our Head Guides, Elsa Giumelli, who grew up in the Central Italian Alps and brings both local knowledge and a deep passion for sharing this extraordinary region. Best of all, Elsa herself will be leading this trek, offering guests the unique experience of exploring her home mountains alongside her.
Ortler Beyond the Trail
Ortler isn’t just the highest peak in the Eastern Alps outside the Bernina range—it’s been a sentinel of history, culture, and geology for centuries. First summited in 1804, Ortler earned its crown and the name “König Ortles,” symbolizing alpine majesty. The Stelvio Pass, carved by the Austrian Empire between 1820 and 1825, offers more than a route through the mountains, it’s a legacy of engineering (48 hairpin turns, nearly 3,000 m elevation) and a crossroads of cultures between Valtellina, South Tyrol, and Val Müstair. High along the ridgelines, relics of World War I still cling to the passes, reminders of a time when these mountains marked the front lines of the “White War.” Today, local museums and preserved sites bring these stories to life, connecting visitors not just to the peaks and glaciers, but to centuries of human endeavor, endurance, and culture in the high Alps.
Why Choose the Ortler Alps
The Ortler Alps Trek is ideal for hikers seeking a true alpine adventure balanced with the charm and culture that define Italy. Expect high passes, sweeping glacier views, and full days on the trail—while evenings are for unwinding in a welcoming hotel, savoring traditional dishes crafted from locally grown vegetables, cheeses, and meats, and raising a glass of fine Valtellina wine to toast the day’s hike.
Ready to explore one of Italy’s best-kept secrets? Be among the very first to join Ryder-Walker on our inaugural Ortler Alps Mountain Trek. Space is limited – book your Ortler Alps adventure today!
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