Gitsch, also known as Gitschberg, is a peak in the Eastern Alps rising above Maranza, between the Altafossa and Fundres valleys. At 2510 metres, it offers one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the area, paired with a well-developed ski resort that keeps the mountain lively year-round.

The western shoulder of the massif is called Kleingitsch (2262 m), while the eastern one is Stollberg (1827 m). In summer, the summit rewards hikers with sweeping views over the peaks of Aurina Valley, Gran Pilastro, Austrian giants like Großvenediger, the Isarco Valley with the Zillertal and Sarntal Alps, the town of Bressanone, and nearly all of Val Pusteria. Several Dolomite groups are also visible, including Alpe di Siusi, Sciliar, the Sella Group, Catinaccio, Odle and Marmolada. In winter, the mountain transforms into an extensive ski area with numerous slopes and lifts.

How to reach the summit

• Gitschberg cable car (in two sections: the lower Teleferica and the upper Nesselbahn) — takes you up to 2100 m, from where the Gitschhütte hut (2200 m) and the summit are about 300 m of ascent away, moderate difficulty
• Alternatively, approach from the Altafossa Valley — a more difficult and rugged route

Practical information

• The Gitschberg cable car has a total length of 3428 m and covers 707 m of elevation, carrying up to 2400 people per hour
• Since winter 2011 there has been a connection with another cable car starting from Valles
• At 2200 m stands the Gitschhütte, a hut offering food and rest along the way
• Numerous mountain huts (malghe) and refreshment points are scattered across the mountain

The peak forms part of a large ski area with around 22 km of slopes, served by two cable cars, four chairlifts and four lifts — a rare combination of panoramic hiking and alpine-class ski infrastructure.