Location and surroundings
Cima Rossa belongs to the long mountain chain of the Central European Highlands, the Alps, the Eastern Alps, the Central Eastern Alps, the Eastern Rhaetian Alps and finally the Ötztal Alps. It is in Italy, in South Tyrol, within the municipality of Burggrafenamt in the region of Trentino – Alto Adige/Südtirol.
The peak rises in a high alpine setting shaped by steep ridges, rocky slopes and snow cover for much of the year. In the Ötztal Alps it ranks 102nd by elevation among 765 named peaks, so it is a substantial summit but not one of the range’s highest points.
Neighbouring peaks
- Hinterer Seelenkogel, 3,475 m, 0.9 km NE
- Cima di Vallelunga, 3,157 m, 1.1 km S
- Mittlerer Seelenkogl, 3,426 m, 1.6 km N
- Cima di Plan, 3,336 m, 1.7 km NE
- Cima Snella, 3,150 m, 2.7 km NE
- Vorderer Seelenkogl, 3,286 m, 2.8 km N
- Monte del Cumolo, 3,238 m, 3.0 km NE
- L'Altissima, 3,482 m, 3.4 km S
The nearest higher peak is Hinterer Seelenkogel, only 0.9 km away to the northeast. Several nearby summits are close in height, including Cima di Plan, which is just below Cima Rossa at 3,336 m, while L'Altissima and Hinterer Seelenkogel rise higher.
The view from the summit
From Cima Rossa, the highest peaks within 25 km are part of the same high alpine skyline. To the northwest lies Wildspitze at 3,768 m, 16.4 km away. Farther west are Weißkugel at 3,738 m and Hintere Schwärze at 3,624 m, while Similaun and Ramolkogel also rise above the surrounding ridges.
Other major summits in view include Schalfkogl to the west. These peaks show how Cima Rossa sits within a dense high-mountain group where many of the dominant summits are still within a day’s visual range.
The range
Cima Rossa is part of the Ötztal Alps, a range that spans Austria, Italy and Switzerland. The highest peak in the range is Wildspitze at 3,768 m, about 16 km northwest of Cima Rossa.
The Ötztal Alps contain 765 named peaks, and Cima Rossa ranks 102nd by elevation among them. That places it well inside the upper tier of the range, though below the main giants that define the highest skyline.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is cold for most of the year. The warmest month is about July, with a mean temperature of about 2 °C, while the coldest is about January, at about -13 °C. Mean temperatures above freezing occur only in June, July and August.
Precipitation in the surrounding area is about 1,200 mm a year, with the wettest month in about August at 165 mm and the driest in about February at 50 mm. Expect snow, sudden weather changes, poor visibility and icy rock or scree, especially outside the short summer window.
Best time to visit
The best period is usually the short summer season, when the summit temperatures are least severe and the snowpack is more limited. Based on the climate figures, June, July and August are the only months with a mean above freezing at the summit, so these are the most practical months for alpine travel here.
Even then, conditions can change quickly. Early summer may still bring lingering snow, while later summer can bring afternoon storms and wet rock. For a safer margin, plan for stable weather, early starts and full alpine equipment.
Nature and wildlife
At 3,339 m, Cima Rossa lies above the main tree line, so the landscape is dominated by rock, scree, snow patches and sparse alpine turf in sheltered places. Lower slopes in the Ötztal Alps typically carry subalpine and alpine vegetation, with grasses, dwarf shrubs and hardy flowering plants adapted to a short growing season.
Wildlife in this altitude zone is usually limited to species adapted to cold, open terrain, such as alpine birds and mountain mammals that move between cliffs, grass slopes and higher pastures. The exposed summit environment is shaped more by wind, snow and frost than by dense vegetation.
Guides and organised ascents
For a summit like Cima Rossa, a certified mountain guide is sensible if you are not fully comfortable with steep alpine terrain, route-finding, snow, or mixed rock and ice conditions. In Italy, the national guide body is the National College of Italian Alpine Guides, an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the Club Alpino Italiano.
Visitors in Italy also commonly turn to established guiding companies such as Società Guide Alpine Courmayeur and Società Guide Alpine del Cervino. Guided outings usually depend on the length of the climb, group size, hut nights and equipment needs. Local tourist offices and guide associations are the usual places to ask about current conditions and arrangements.
Safety and preparation
Cima Rossa demands full alpine preparation: sturdy boots, warm layers, navigation skills, and the ability to cope with snow, wind and sudden weather changes. At this height, even in summer, cold mornings and slippery ground are normal, and the terrain can become serious quickly if visibility drops.
For mountain rescue in Italy, the emergency number is 112. Ask for Soccorso Alpino, the national mountain rescue service. It is wise to carry a map, a charged phone and enough clothing and food for delays, because conditions in the Ötztal Alps can change fast.
Interesting facts
Cima Rossa is the 102nd highest of the 765 named peaks in the Ötztal Alps. Its nearest higher neighbour is Hinterer Seelenkogel, 0.9 km to the northeast, and the range high point, Wildspitze, lies 16.4 km to the northwest.
The mountain also sits in a borderland range that spans Austria, Italy and Switzerland. That gives the area a distinctly transalpine character, with high ridges, glaciated basins and a dense cluster of summits above 3,000 m.
FAQ
How high is Cima Rossa? It rises to 3,339 m.
Where is Cima Rossa? It is in Italy, in South Tyrol, within the municipality of Burggrafenamt, in the Ötztal Alps.
Which mountain range does Cima Rossa belong to? It is part of the Ötztal Alps, within the Alps and the Eastern Alps.
What are the nearest peaks to Cima Rossa? The closest higher peak is Hinterer Seelenkogel, 0.9 km to the northeast. Other nearby summits include Cima di Vallelunga, Mittlerer Seelenkogl and Cima di Plan.
Is there water on the way to Cima Rossa? At this height, water is usually limited and may only be available from snowmelt in season. Carry enough for the day, typically about 1.5 to 3 litres depending on heat and route length.
When is the best time to go? June, July and August are the only months with mean summit temperatures above freezing, so they are the most practical months.
Will my phone work there? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.