 Profile: Matschertal
& Vent — Italy & Austria, Aug 29 - Sep 13, 2009
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The Valley The Matschertal lies north of the main Vinschgau Valley, between Mals and Schluderns. It is a pastoral valley, some ten miles long, with a small village boasting a single hotel. At the end of the valley is another mountain inn and a climbing hut. There are no lifts, no intrusions of mass tourism to disturb the idyllic landscape. Peaks rise to well over 10,000 feet on either side of the valley. It occupies an enchanting corner of Italy's Sud Tirol, between Switzerland and Austria — less than ten miles from their borders. The Hikes Among the beautiful and accessible walks is an easy peak — the Spitziger Lun — a magnificent viewpoint. A trail in the Upia Valley takes us to the beautiful lake of the same name. The Oberettes Hut — easily reached in three hours — is the launching point for climbs on the Weisskugel, the second highest peak of the Oetztal Alps. A private van enables us to visit the Langtaufer Valley and its Weisskugel Hut on the other side of the mountain. The Watles — above the Reschen Lake — is another outstanding viewpoint. A walk up the Schlinig Valley leads to the Sesvenna Hut. The background to many of these walks is the Ortler, the highest peak east of Switzerland. The trails are well maintained, and the "traffic" is moderate. The Hotel We don't use the word "unique" loosely, but the Glieshof is just that. It has been in the Heinisch family for 250 years, first as a farm, then as a simple inn and — after a recent renovation — as a very comfortable "alm gasthof." It offers large rooms with balconies, a sumptuous breakfast buffet, a choice at dinner and an elaborate sauna area. But, that's not the whole story. The setting is idyllic in the extreme, a marvelous blend of mountains, meadows and farms. 
When You're Not HikingMany will prefer to spend a day relaxing and enjoying the surroundings. Nearby is the Churburg, an impressive castle with — among other things — the largest private collection of armor in Europe. Other major attractions include the cloisters of Marienberg and St. Johannes, as well as the walled city of Glurns. Come Join Us If you are intrigued by our "small is beautiful" philosophy and would like to receive additional information or make reservations for Matschertal, or any of our upcoming trips, please email Sheila Duigan or call her direct at 800-291-8126. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hiking Program 2009
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Sheila Duigan · Alpine Travel, Inc. · P.O. Box 159 · White Plains, NY 10605 · tel 800-291-8126 · fax 914-747-2266
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