Sas Rigais - an impressive circular route through the Geisler group

From the Zans parking lot (1670 m) we ascend to the Sas Rigais mountain hut (1689 m) and follow the beautifully laid footpath over partially newly built wooden bridges to the forest road. We keep right and ascend via forest road no. 6 until we reach a wide footpath. Soon we reach another forest road, which we follow until the second hairpin bend. Here we leave the road and follow the footpath and then the trail to Tschantschenonalm (1928 m), which we leave on the left. Over a nicely laid trail, partially bordered with wooden planks, we enjoy the ascent through the bright Swiss pine forest and finally up to Kreuzjoch (2293 m), which offers a wonderful view over the gentle mountain meadow slopes to the Puez-Geisler group and to Großglockner. The continuation or the short descent along the Dolomite high trail no. 2 is a pleasure before we sharply turn right at the foot of the Cresta de Lungiaru walls and join trail no. 13 towards the Wasserscharte (attention: this turn is easy to miss, as there is no signpost). Steep, rocky, and winding, the trail climbs up to the Wasserscharte at 2642 m. Framed by the magnificent rock towers, we now descend over a steep gravel field into the Val Mont Da Ega. The trail is not always easy to see in the upper section, but this does not last long. After some hairpin bends and a descent of about 200 meters in altitude, we change sides of the valley and follow trail no. 13 with a pleasant incline below Col dala Creuso to the plateau at the junction point 2263 m. We now choose the trail that leads to the right into the Wasserrinnental. Between the massive rock walls, the ascent takes us through this gravel-filled cirque at a good pace, whereby in the last part of the ascent to the saddle surefootedness is necessary. Here we will take a long break before the further ascent to the start of the via ferrata. Briefly, we have to use our hands at the beginning, before easy walking terrain is overcome again. At about 2800 m, the actual via ferrata begins, which is well secured at the tricky points. The difficulty level B/C is not exceeded in any section. A short almost vertical section with footholds probably represents the greatest challenge before again easy, rope-secured and also unsecured terrain awaits the climber. Nevertheless, surefootedness and a head for heights are a prerequisite for a safe ascent on every section. From the mighty summit of Sas Rigais, we can not only enjoy a long break but also the magnificent view over a sea of peaks.

The descent initially follows the rope-secured southwest ridge, which is also classified as a via ferrata. Here you have to objectively assess your ability whether to descend with a via ferrata set or without. If you descend unsecured, you must be aware that a slip has fatal consequences. At about 2800 m, we join the Villnöss trail on the right, which initially runs along the slope. The terrain soon becomes rougher and the first rope protections appear. Again, it is important to objectively assess your ability whether an unsecured descent is feasible. After some quite alpine passages, we reach the 2597 m high Mittagsscharte after a last steep descent. 

From the Mittagsscharte we now overlook large parts of the descent. Via the initially steep and winding trail no. 29, we reach the expansive and consistently steep gravel cirque and finally through mountain pines soon the Adolf Munkel Path, which stretches from east to west at the foot of the Geisler group. We turn right and follow this beautiful footpath no. 35 eastwards initially without much gain in altitude. But soon a last 140-meter ascent to the saddle has to be overcome. We ignore the turnoff towards Gschnagenhardt Alm and stay on the Adolf Munkel Path. We enjoy following the trail until the trail no. 36 to Glatschalm first ascends briefly and then gently descends through the forest to a rustic alm cabin surrounded by meadows. Opposite it is the Glatschalm (1902 m), which is managed in the summer months and invites you to take a break. The last 230 meters of altitude to the starting point are covered via forest road no. 36.