The Hintergrat, also known as Cresta del Coston, is a popular excursion on the ridge that overlooks the north side of the Gran Zebrù and leads to the top of the Ortles (3,905mt). The climb is not particularly technical nor demanding, but it should not be underestimated given the exposure of the ridge and the fragility of the rock. This climb is also suitable for mountaineers with little experience as long as they have good physical training and endurance, and are accompanied by a qualified Alpine Guide.
2 Days
Medium
Max. 2
from June to September
The ascent in never technically demanding but it can’t be underestimated because of it’s exposition and the rock’s crumbliness. This ascent is suitable also for mountaineers who are beginners as long as they are in good shape and accompanied from a Mountain Guide.
From Rifugio Coston (2661 m) the ridge appears as a succession of four peaks. The ascent, up to the third peak, develops at first on easy snow slopes on the left side of the ridge. Beyond the third peak, we traverse a large saddle and we reach the foot of the Signalkopf (3725 m), the fourth peak.
With short climb sections of grade IV, presenting several bolts in the rock, we climb over some rocky boulders and sharp ridges, allowing us to reach the top of Ortles (3,905m) in a relatively short time. .
Day 1: We leave the car at the car park by the cable-car station in Solda. Here we begin our hike following the path to Rifugio Coston along the shores of Solda river at first, and then climbing a rocky section leading to the moraine of the Solda glacier, near the middle station on the cable-car (alternatively, we can decide to ascend by cable-car and save the energy for later). Following the path along a grassy slope we climb a ridge with great views on Gran Zebrù, and we turn right in a glacier valley as we reach Rifugio Coston (2661 m).
Day 2: After an early breakfast we leave at the crack of dawn. First we walk on the Solda Glacier’ moraine, a flat section that follows the rocky flank below the Coston ridge. Then we climb over a steep scree slope as we make our way to a rock spire, which represents a II grade climb. The next section of our ascent is on snow and easy rocks, leading to the Signialkopf peak. We bear left as we descend diagonally, with an abseil down for about 20m onto a ledge, and we continue on the ridge.
An alternation of easy climbs (II and III grade), steep snow slopes (40°) and 2 climbs of IV grade (bolted) lead us to an enclosed vertical passage, after which we are finally at the top!
The descent is along the normal route, in the direction of Rifugio Pajer. The route requires careful attention as we tackle several grade II downhill climbs and a snow slopes almost 40° steep.
Each Guide can take a maximum of 2 people,
Included in the fee: the Guide service, the rental of technical equipment necessary for the activity (helmet, harness, ice-ax and crampons).
Not included in the fee: 1 night accommodation on half bard basis at a local Rifugio (approx €55 per person), personal expenses, guide's expenses, cable-car ticket if necessary, and anything not mentioned in "included".
Equipment provided by Mountime: helmet, harness, ice-ax and crampons
Personal equipment: Layered mountain clothing, warm windproof jacket, gloves and hat, sun glasses and suns cream, trekking boots (preferably crampon-compatible), backpack with water, energy snacks, and a change of clothes for 1 night stay.
