Mills Pride Closet Systems

Zebrù (3851 m) of La Punta

The king and his crown

South Tyrol People called him "Der Koenig," the King Rehinold Messner, the great mountaineer, he counted among the most beautiful icy peaks of the central Alps. Yes, because of the Grand royal Zebrù not only elevation and aspect, but also a crown: the so-called "meringue", the characteristic wing wall of ice, practically hanging over the north wall to tens of meters. So perfect that it seems carved from the hand of a master. Imposing and majestic, the sharp pyramid of Gran Zebrù stands out among the peaks of Ortler-Cevedale enough to make without a doubt the most beautiful summit of the group, even more beautiful Ortles same (3905 m), which is second in height.

course, the regal name reminds us that the claims asserted against the superb mountain climbers, if you see it from the north it is easy to give up now and think of the impossible.
Only a few can aspire to tighten hold the key to access the "crown of the King", and the challenge is to do it in a direct ascent route, which should be sufficient to overcome the fearsome overhanging cornice of the "meringue".

But surely there are nicer ways to approach the sovereign: the normal route, but not least, is more accessible and big rooms along the south-east slope to a height of 400m, with an inclination of 30 to 50 degrees, often mottled with slabs of ice to the summit. Tiring, yes, but from the top of this giant rock overlooking the Adamello, Presanella, Bernina and Ötztal Alps is incomparable.

Unfortunately, the Grand is sadly Zebrù also known to unpleasant facts: it was involuntary protagonist, along with other peaks of the group of well-known events of the 1st World War (1915-18), where the region Ortles - Cevedale was the scene of bloody clashes between the Italian and Austrian troops. It is difficult today to imagine the inhumane living conditions to which the soldiers have already been tested by the long conflict, were tested in battle for survival at these altitudes, where the enemy is in addition to the daily struggle against adverse climatic conditions.

(Photos: 1 - Featured Grand Zebrù, behind the Ortles; 2 - The impressive wall North, 3 - The famous "Meringue" Ice)