Pinnistal Panoramaweg
Thursday, 18th June
| Walk: | Elfer lift, Elferhutte, Pinnistal Panoramaweg, Karalm, Elferlift | ||
| Start Point: | Bus to Neustift for Elferlift | Distance: | 9.1 miles |
| Ascent: | 2,220 feet | Descent: | 2,220 feet |
| Max Alt: | 7,126 feet | Time: | 5.75 hours |
| Weather: | Mostly sunny with a cool breeze at times | ||
| Comments: | From the top of the Elferlift we had a steady climb to the Elferhutte where we had time to take in the views. Continuing on to the Pinnistal Panoranaweg what a treat we had in store! Not only were the views across the Pinnistal Valley magnificent, the flowers bordering the path were an absolute delight. Taking time to admire, photograph and discuss the beautiful blooms this really became a flower walk. Fortunately there was time to spare and Jane patiently guided us along the route and down to the Karalm. After a short walk down the valley we headed up again to return to the Elferlift. This page holds a large number of photos as it has been difficult to decide which of the 140 photos taken should be included and which should be left out!! There are some flowers that I have been unable to identify and some that I haven't been sure if the identification is correct. I would be happy to receive any suggestions - you can find my email address in the 'About Me' section. |
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Leaving the bus at Neustift . . .
we made our way across . . .
to the Elferlift
This area is a very poplar starting point . . .
for paragliders who walk/run down the slope . . .
and soar into the air . . .
above the valley
As soon as one has gone . . .
another takes his turn
Time to make a start as one group takes to the forest track while we begin the ascent to the Elferhutte . . .
with time to admire the flowers - possibly a snow gentian . . .
then a pyramidal bugle
And on a bend in the path, the sign translates to . . .
The most beautiful coat of arms in the world is the plow in arable field
From the Elferhutte there are views down the valley towards Fulpmes . . .
across Milders to the Oberberg valley . . .
where a mountain range separates it from the Stubai Valley
The C/C+ group is heading for Elferspitzas I did last time . . .
but today I'll just zoom in on the summit cross! . . .
and take in the views from the hut
Jane gathers the troops . . .
and we head away from the hut . . .
leaving the views of the valley behind
The Swiss Mountain Pine . . .
is putting out new growth . . .
and close by we can read all about it
It's quite difficult to get a clear photo of . . .
the Globe flower or globe ranunculus
Could this be a round leaved gentian?
The clusius gentian . . .
also called a trumpet gentian
or Alpine gentian
Couldn't identify this one - any suggestions?
Possibly a rock rose?
Mountain avens . . .
with an accompanying information board
and just can't resist another clusius gentian!
Zooming in on Al's group on a higher ridgeline
Mike stops to take a photo . . .
as do I . . .
and another from a little further along the path
The hillside is covered with . . .
the alpenrose . . .
where we can find . . .
more information . . .
and yet another clusius gentian . . .
plus a group of ten!
The group takes in the views . . .
which are amazing
An auricula sits next to . . .
a clump of red campion
Greater Butterfly Orchid . . .
thanks to Sue for the identification
Focusing on the Pinnistal valley . . .
a selection of information boards . . .
tell us about . . .
the development of the rock
and another view of the ridge opposite us
Alpine butterwort
and the group is really enjoying the time to explore . . .
and the alpenrose contrasts with the rock . ..
as the group spreads out even more . . .
before gathering together . . .
to take advantage of the bench for a break
Time to move on . . .
heading round the corner . . . .
and find more great views . . .
with snow still lying at the higher levels . . .
Could this be Habicht?
I think we'll take the lower path . . .
as we make a gradual descent . . .
on a good path
The head of the valley comes into view . . .
as we make our way down to . . .
the Karalm for our lunch stop
Refreshed and ready to move on . . .
a snow bridge can be seen to the right . . .
typically formed by snow drift, which first creates a cornice, which may gradually grow to reach the other side of the opening.
Our route takes us a short way down the valley before we head up again . . .
past a lovely clump of rock speedwell and possibly creeping avens . . .
and finally . . .
bearded bellflower