Day 3

The Val Martello valley is known for its fruit orchards, particularly apple and pear terraces, which cling to the steep slopes. These terraces are centuries old, the result of generations of farmers transforming the challenging alpine terrain into productive land. Walking along the paths, you can see traditional stone walls, wooden barns, and irrigation channels that echo the ingenuity of alpine agriculture.

The first segment of the hike leads gently upward along well-marked paths toward the Zufallhütte (Rifugio Nino Corsi). This mountain hut, perched at around 2,200 meters, serves as both a refuge and a gathering place for hikers, climbers, and shepherds.

Continuing beyond the hut, the trail narrows and winds higher into the alpine zone, entering sparser vegetation and rocky terrain.

Along the way, hikers encounter historical traces of alpine life—stone markers, old shepherd paths, and small rock cairns that have guided travelers for centuries. The route also crosses alpine streams and small meadows where wildflowers bloom in summer, creating colorful carpets against the gray and white of the rocks. The trail is a blend of physical challenge and serene beauty, where each step upward reveals more of the remote and pristine alpine environment.

The Madritschjoch pass (2900 m) itself offers a moment of reflection and awe. The pass frames the horizon, showing both the approachable lower valleys and the distant glacial peaks that continue to dominate the alpine skyline.

Many hikers who are not expert climbers still attempt Madritschspitze (3263 m) because it’s challenging but accessible via some non-technical routes. Reaching the summit gives a strong sense of achievement, and it’s often a rite of passage for those exploring Martelltal’s high mountains.

Plima Schlucht is also a place rich in geological history. The towering rock walls reveal layers of stone laid down over millions of years, shaped by glacial activity and erosion. For hikers, the gorge is a lesson in time itself—how glaciers once filled the valley, carving the path for the river that now tumbles through it, leaving behind a landscape both awe-inspiring and humbling.