Gran Ladro

The Gran Ladro (Hoher Dieb in German) rises on the west side of the Val d'Ultimo, only a stone's throw from the more than 3,000 m high Orecchia di Lepre and is a popular hiking destination. Like all the mountains of the Val d'Ultimo, also this mountain belongs to the Ortles mountains round "King Ortles" in Val Venosta. The Gran Ladro has got an eastern summit topped by a summit cross which is slightly lower that its western summit.

In order to reach the summit, which by the way is not too difficult, take the path at the Steinrast pasture (1,728 m a.s.l.) above Pracupola. This is where the hiking trail no. 13 starts, stretching to the Malga Kofelraster (2,313 m) through the forest, and further on to the Covolo Lakes (2,485 m). These two mountain lakes are ideal for a break, enjoying the great view up to the Val Senales Glacier. Within a little while, starting from the first lake, you reach the summit of the Gran Ladro.

The view you enjoy from the top is breathtaking: the Orecchia di Lepre and in the background the Ortles Alps in the south, the Val Venosta and the Oetztal Alps with the Monte Similaun in the north. For this tour, we recommend you to schedule at least half a day. Please note: even if this tour is considered to be rather easy, you need to have some mountain experience, be sure-footed and wear appropriate clothes, in order to experience a great day on this mountain.