Visit Maso Corto

At the foot of the glacier, between eternal snow and alpine silence

Maso Corto, at an altitude of 2,011 meters, is one of the highest villages in South Tyrol and is hidden at the end of the Val Senales (Schnalstal), embraced by over 126 peaks exceeding three thousand meters. Arriving here by camper means reaching a world where time flows differently: the glacier glistens under the sun, the alpine pastures stretch out silently, and the crisp mountain air welcomes you with a purity you will rarely find elsewhere.

Maso Corto is the ideal base for those seeking high-altitude adventures year-round. In winter, the Val Senales glacier offers skiing and snowboarding from September to May, making it one of the few ski resorts practically open nine months a year. In summer, countless hiking trails start here, including the famous archaeological route following the traces of Ötzi, the Iceman discovered right on these mountains in 1991.

By camper, Maso Corto is a strategic destination: just 40 minutes from Merano, it combines the magic of the high mountains with the convenience of being close to the valley’s services and attractions. Furthermore, it hosts the Caravan Park Schnals, the highest camper rest area in Europe, located just a few steps from the glacier cable car. It is an authentic destination, far from mass tourism, where nature reigns supreme and South Tyrolean hospitality makes you feel immediately at home.

Stopovers and overnight stays

Maso Corto, being a small high-mountain location, does not have multiple options for camper stops. However, it offers an excellent and unique solution: the Caravan Park Schnals, the highest camper rest area in Europe. Located right in the heart of the village, just a few meters from the glacier cable car, it represents the perfect base for exploring the Val Senales (Schnalstal) in every season.

The facility is designed specifically for mountain-loving camper enthusiasts: flat pitches, essential but well-maintained services, 24-hour access, and an enviable location that allows you to reach both the ski lifts and hiking trails on foot. Do not expect a campsite with a pool and entertainment: here you will find the authentic mountain, silence, the starry sky, and the adrenaline of hiking and glacier skiing.

Recommended areas

Caravan Park Schnals – Europe’s Highest Camper Rest Area

The Caravan Park Schnals is located in Maso Corto, just a few meters from the valley station of the Val Senales Glacier Cable Car, and is the highest camper rest area in Europe. Immersed in a breathtaking mountain landscape, surrounded by peaks over 3,000 meters, it offers approximately 40–90 pitches on a gravel surface, all flat and marked, equipped with 10A electric hook-ups included in the price. Available Services: Toilets with showers and hot water, bathrooms for people with disabilities, laundry room with washing machine (€6/wash) and dryer (€3), dishwashing area, potable water supply, grey and black water disposal, masonry barbecue area, free Wi-Fi. Dogs are allowed free of charge. Access: Automated 24-hour entry via barrier with self-service payment. Online booking is mandatory during high season via the official website. 2025 Prices: €40–€45 per night/pitch, all-inclusive (electricity, sanitary facilities, Wi-Fi, waste disposal). Distances: Glacier Cable Car: 5 minutes on foot. Village center: 2–3 minutes on foot. Toboggan run and cross-country ski track: within walking distance. Contacts: Tel: +39 0473 662171 Email: info@caravanpark-schnals.com Website: www.caravanpark-schnals.com

GPS: 46.754225, 10.783883

“Not just skiing in Maso Corto”

“skiing takes place between 2000 and 3000 meters”

Getting Around

Maso Corto is a small, compact village where everything is reachable on foot from the Caravan Park Schnals. The glacier cable car is only a 5-minute walk from the rest area, and the village center with its few bars, restaurants, and shops is practically adjacent. You won’t need public transport to get around Maso Corto: walking among the wooden chalets, breathing the crisp mountain air, and admiring the surrounding peaks is an experience in itself.

By cable car up the glacier: The Val Senales Glacier Cable Car is the main way to reach the Alpin Arena Senales, the glacier ski area. In just 8 minutes of ascent, you will overcome over 1,000 meters of altitude difference and arrive at 3,212 meters above sea level, at the mountain station where the Glacier Hotel Grawand is located. The ski slopes start from here in winter, and the hiking trails start in summer. The cable car is open from September to May for skiing and in summer for hiking.

By car: If you wish to explore other locations in Val Senales, such as Lake Vernago (about 10 km), Madonna di Senales, or the ArcheoParc, you will need a car. The valley road is well maintained and scenic, but in winter it might require snow tires or chains. To reach Merano, a spa town 40 minutes away by car, the road gently descends along the valley to Val Venosta.

Public Transport: Val Senales is served by scheduled buses that connect Maso Corto with the other locations in the valley and Merano. However, the runs are limited and infrequent, designed primarily for those who do not travel with their own vehicle. Check updated timetables at the tourist office or on the Val Senales website.

Points of Interest (PoI)

Val Senales Glacier Cable Car and Alpin Arena Senales The Val Senales Glacier Cable Car is the pulsating heart of Maso Corto. This modern cable car, starting from the valley station (just a few steps from the Caravan Park), takes you in just 8 minutes to the mountain station situated at 3,212 meters above sea level, directly on the Val Senales glacier. It's an exciting experience: as you ascend, you will see the rock faces passing below you and the alpine landscape opening up in all its majesty. In winter, the Alpin Arena Senales offers about 30 km of ski slopes for all levels, with guaranteed snow from September to May thanks to the high altitude. It is one of the few alpine ski resorts where you can ski practically all year round. In summer, the glacier transforms into a paradise for hikers and mountaineers: trails start here leading to mountain huts, peaks over 3,000 meters, and breathtaking panoramic routes. Practical Tip: Early in the morning, the cable car is less crowded, and the light on the mountains is spectacular. If you are visiting in summer, always bring a windproof jacket even if it is hot in the valley: temperatures up there are rigid even in midsummer. Useful Information: Tickets can be purchased at the valley station or online. Updated timetables and prices are available at www.valsenales.com.

Iceman Ötzi Peak Viewing Platform At an altitude of 3,251 meters, reachable via the glacier cable car, lies the Iceman Ötzi Peak Viewing Platform, dedicated to Ötzi, the Iceman discovered in 1991 right on these mountains. The platform offers a 360-degree view of hundreds of peaks exceeding 3,000 meters, many of which are located on the border between Italy and Austria. From here, you can admire the Palla Bianca (3,739 m), the third-highest peak in Trentino-Alto Adige, and the Similaun massif, where the famous prehistoric mummy was found. It is an exciting place not only for the panorama but also for its historical significance: Ötzi, who lived over 5,300 years ago, walked right on these mountains. Practical Tip: The platform is accessible in all seasons, but bring warm clothing even in summer. If you are passionate about history, also consider visiting the ArcheoParc (in Madonna di Senales, about 20 km from Maso Corto), an interactive museum dedicated to prehistoric life and the discovery of Ötzi. Useful Information: Access is included in the cable car ticket. Ideal for a 20–30 minute stop during your day on the glacier.

Rifugio Bella Vista - Panoramic Hike at 2,842 m The Rifugio Bella Vista (Beautiful View Mountain Hut) is one of the most evocative viewpoints in Val Senales. Situated at an altitude of 2,842 meters, it can be reached from Maso Corto with a hike of approximately 2 hours along trail no. 3. The route is challenging but well-marked, crossing alpine pastures and offering increasingly wide views as you ascend. Once you arrive at the hut, you will be rewarded with a spectacular panorama of the glacier and the surrounding peaks. The hut also offers typical South Tyrolean dishes: after the effort of the climb, a plate of canederli (dumplings) or a pork knuckle with sauerkraut is exactly what you need to regain your energy. Cable Car Alternative: In summer, you can take the glacier cable car up and then reach the hut with a shorter walk (about 1 hour). This allows you to enjoy the view without an overly strenuous climb. Practical Tip: Start early in the morning to avoid the heat during the central hours of the day. Bring water, energy snacks, and a windbreaker, as mountain weather can change quickly. The hut is open from June to September in summer and during the skiing season in winter. Info: Tel. +39 0473 662140 | Email: info@bellavista-schnals.com

Lake Vernago - Relaxing Walk Between Nature and History About 10 km from Maso Corto (reachable by car in 15 minutes), Lake Vernago is an artificial basin created in the 1950s for hydroelectric purposes. What makes this lake unique is its submerged bell tower: during the construction of the dam, the old village of Vernago was submerged, and the church bell tower still emerges from the waters today, especially when the lake level drops in summer.The lake is surrounded by imposing mountains and offers an easy loop walk (about 1 hour and 30 minutes), perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. The trail is flat, also suitable for families with children, and offers beautiful photo opportunities, especially at sunset when the sun colors the surrounding peaks.Practical Tip: On windy days, the submerged bell tower is more visible because the water is more disturbed. If you visit the lake in summer, bring your swimsuit: there are small beaches where you can take a dip in the cool (but cold!) mountain water.Useful Information: Free parking near the lake. Bars and restaurants along the walk. GPS Lake Vernago: $46.7904^\circ$ N, $10.8141^\circ$ E

ArcheoParc e il mondo di Ötzi The ArcheoParc, located in Madonna di Senales (about 20 km from Maso Corto), is an interactive open-air museum dedicated to prehistoric life and the discovery of Ötzi, the Iceman. The museum recreates a Neolithic village with huts, tools, and practical demonstrations: you can see how bread was prepared 5,000 years ago, how clay was worked, how weaving was done on a Neolithic loom, and even try archery. It is an engaging and educational experience, perfect for families with children but also interesting for adults. The museum is divided into indoor spaces (with videos and exhibits) and outdoor areas where practical activities take place. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal: it's not a dusty museum, but a place where you learn by doing. Practical Tip: Dedicate at least 2–3 hours to the visit to enjoy all the activities. Special events with experimental archaeology demonstrations are organized during summer weekends. Check the calendar on the official website before visiting. Useful Information: Hours: April to November, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (closed on Mondays). Prices: Adults €9, children €6, families €20. Website: www.archeoparc.it | Tel. +39 0473 676020

Seasonal Events

Sheep Transhumance - Living Mountain Tradition

When: Mid-June (ascent) and Mid-September (descent)
Where: Maso Corto and Vernago
What: The sheep transhumance is one of the most anticipated and authentic events in Val Senales. In mid-June, the flocks of sheep are led from the valley pastures to the Austrian alpine pastures in the Venter Valley, crossing the mountain border. In mid-September, the sheep return to the valley and are welcomed with a large traditional festival in Maso Corto and Vernago. The atmosphere is festive: folk music, food stands with local products, and the opportunity to see the sheep up close, decorated with flowers and bells. It is a moment of celebration of alpine culture and the pastoral life that still endures in these valleys. An event not to be missed if you happen to be in Val Senales during those periods!

Glacier Ski Season - Guaranteed Snow from September to May

When: From mid-September to early May
Where: Alpin Arena Senales - Val Senales Glacier
What: The Val Senales Glacier is one of the few Italian ski resorts open practically nine months a year. The ski season officially starts in mid-September, when the first snowfalls whiten the high-altitude slopes, and continues until early May. With 30 km of slopes between 2,000 and 3,200 meters above sea level, the glacier offers skiing and snowboarding for all levels, with guaranteed snow thanks to the high altitude. It is also a training center for national ski teams from all over Europe. If you love off-season skiing, this is the perfect place for you. In autumn, skiing with mild temperatures and the sun shining on the glacier is a unique experience.

Guided Summer Hikes - Discovering the Ötztal Alps

When: From June to September, weekly
Where: Various starting points in Val Senales
What: During the summer, the Val Senales Tourist Association organizes a weekly program of free guided hikes for all levels. From easy walks suitable for families to challenging mountaineering ascents, there is always a hike tailored for you. Local guides accompany you to discover alpine huts, mountain refuges, panoramic peaks, and hidden corners of the valley, sharing anecdotes, legends, and curiosities about the local flora, fauna, and history. It is a perfect opportunity to meet other hikers and explore the mountains safely. The detailed program is available at the Maso Corto tourist office or on the official Val Senales website.

Typical Dishes and Local Products

Ingredients for 4 servings:

300 g stale bread (such as rye bread or white bread)
150 ml lukewarm milk
100 g South Tyrolean Speck (smoked cured ham) diced
1 medium onion finely chopped
2 eggs
50 g flour (to bind the mixture)
30 g butter
2–3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Nutmeg to taste (optional)
Vegetable or meat broth (for cooking)

To serve:

Melted butter
Grated Parmesan or mountain cheese
Chopped chives (optional)

Chef’s Tip: Speck Knödel (dumplings) are perfect after a day on the snow or a mountain hike. They are hearty, warm, and fill you with energy. If you have any leftovers (unlikely!), you can slice them the next day and brown them in a pan with a little butter: they become crispy outside and soft inside. Accompany the Knödel with a glass of South Tyrolean white wine, such as a Gewürztraminer or a Sylvaner, for a perfect pairing.