The 13 Summits Traverse in the Ortles-Cevedale is one of the most spectacular and complete mountaineering experiences in the Alps. A truly epic itinerary following the crest of one of the largest and most remote massifs in the Alpine range, between Trentino-Alto Adige and Lombardy, where the landscape becomes increasingly essential, silent and isolated.
Here, the mountain is never just a passage: it is total and dominant. Vast glacial expanses, suspended ridges and summits above 3,500 metres follow one another without interruption, creating a true long-distance mountaineering journey. Each day is a continuous progression, where the view opens onto wider and wilder horizons, far from any inhabited place or quick escape route.
This is an environment that demands respect and focus, where the sense of isolation becomes an essential part of the experience. It is not simply about climbing thirteen summits, but about crossing an entire world of high mountains, staying immersed for days in a pure, essential and continuous glacier setting.
An intense and complete adventure: 13 consecutive summits, almost 4,000 metres of total elevation gain, two nights in mountain huts and a progression that requires endurance, adaptability and a spirit of exploration. An experience designed for those seeking authentic, long and deeply immersive mountaineering, where the journey matters as much as the summit and isolation becomes part of the emotion.
Highlights
- Full traverse of 13 summits above 3,500 metres.
- High-altitude progression in a glacier environment.
- Around 4,000 metres of total elevation gain.
- Technical passages on ridges and glaciers.
- Remote and wild alpine setting.
- Advanced endurance mountaineering experience.
Best for
- The 13 Summits Traverse is designed for mountaineers and experienced hikers with excellent physical preparation and good familiarity with high altitude.
- It is a long and demanding experience, ideal for those who want to live the mountains in their most authentic form, far from ordinary routes and fully immersed in a continuous glacier environment.
Program
- Day 1 – Meet the Mountain Guide in the early afternoon in Cogolo (1,160 m), in Val di Pejo. Transfer to Malga Prabon (1,792 m) and ascend to Rifugio Larcher al Cevedale (2,608 m). Dinner and overnight stay at the hut.
- Day 2 – Ascend Monte Cevedale (3,769 m), then continue with a high-altitude traverse across Monte Rosole (3,531 m), Palon de la Mare (3,703 m) and Monte Vioz (3,645 m), reaching Rifugio Mantova al Vioz (3,535 m). Dinner and overnight stay at the hut.
- Day 3 – Complete the traverse of the remaining summits: Punta Taviela (3,612 m), Cima di Pejo (3,549 m), Rocca Santa Caterina (3,523 m), Punta Cadini (3,524 m), Monte Giumella (3,594 m), Punta San Matteo (3,678 m), Cima Dosegù (3,560 m), Punta Pedranzini (3,599 m) and Pizzo Tresero (3,594 m). Final descent to Rifugio Berni at Passo Gavia (2,540 m), followed by return to the starting point with a private taxi.
Pricing & Logistics
- The cost of the ascent varies depending on the number of participants and the chosen program.
- The price includes: Mountain Guide accompaniment, itinerary planning, logistical organisation and technical equipment if needed.
- The price does not include: half-board accommodation in mountain huts, transfers, personal expenses and any extras.
- On request, or if the huts are closed, the experience can be organised with overnight stays in high-altitude bivouacs, adapting the program to the needs of the group. This offers an even more tailor-made experience and a deeper, wilder immersion in the mountains.
Requirements
- Excellent physical preparation.
- Experience in high-altitude environments.
- Good endurance for long mountaineering days.
- Familiarity with glacier and mixed terrain.
- No significant vertigo.
- Spirit of adaptability.
Season
The 13 Summits Traverse is possible during the summer season, generally from June to October, depending on snow and glacier conditions in the Ortles-Cevedale group.
Why a Mountain Guide
- Management of the itinerary in a complex alpine environment.
- Optimisation of timing and weather windows.
- Continuous technical support throughout the traverse.
- Maximum safety on glaciers and ridges.
- A more complete and conscious experience.
Your Experience
If you dream of a long, intense and authentic adventure in the Ortles-Cevedale, the 13 Summits Traverse is much more than an itinerary: it is a vertical journey through ice, ridges and powerful emotions that stay with you.
Ready to immerse yourself in this great mountaineering experience?
Contact us to receive more information, check available dates or organise a tailor-made program together.