General description
In good conditions and when there’s enough (but not too much) snow, this hike can be completed without any problems. The trail is regularly maintained using a tracked snow groomer. On the farm track along the hairpin bends are clearly-marked shortcuts, but in winter these tracks are usually inaccessible or should at least be negotiated with care.
Route description
Starting at the Stuls/Stulles car park, head west along the tarred Hochegg road, passing several farms and then enter the woods as far as the Jausenstation Morx Puite Snack Station. Just in front of the bar, there’s a public car park on the edge of the meadow. Continue along the Hochegg road, which is partly lined by tall and steep rocks, going as far as the Hochegg farmstead. The parking lot just before the Hochegg is the only place to park. Above the farmstead, the road heads eastwards mostly through woodland and across several hairpin bends on a fairly steep upward incline. Just before the Stuller Mahdern (a large meadow), is a wide track that branches off to the left, through the forest. Initially it leads westwards, before turning to the north and on reaching the top it crosses over some pastures before arriving at the Eggergrubalm refuge. The way back to Stulles follows the on the same route as the way up.
Source: Heinz Widmann - www.passeier.org
Description to arrive at destination
From Meran/Merano to the Passeiertal Valley in direction of Timmelsjoch Mountain Pass until Stuls/Stulles.
Parking
In Stuls/Stulles, at the starting point, there’s free parking below the church on two storeys. Alternatively, there’s also parking at the new multi-function building at the entrance to the village.
En route parking: the Jausenstation Morx Puite Snack Station roughly one-third down the trail also offers free parking. There’s also paid parking (costing € 4) just before the Hochegg farmstead, about halfway along the trail.
Public transport
The starting point is easy to reach with the following public connections:
With bus line 240 from Meran/Merano to Moos/Moso and line 241 from Moos/Moso to Stuls/Stulles.
Safety instructions
When there’s enough snow on the ground, use the #14B farm road. Please note that forest track (#14) is very steep and is usually not maintained in winter! Minor snow-falls may occur along the trail above the Hochegg farmsteads and on the steep slopes below. Beneath the Hochegg-Höfe farmsteads, be on the lookout for clumps of ice falling from the rocks. When snow is scarce, certain sections of the Hochegg farm road and forest track can be icy, which is particularly problematic and dangerous during the descent.
Equipment
To avoid slipping, make use of snowshoes, walking sticks and climbing accessories for shoes – especially on the way down.