Maso Corto: At the Foot of the Glacier, in the Heart of Val Senales
Located at an altitude of 2,011 metres, Maso Corto (Kurzras) is the highest of the five villages in Val Senales. Spanning over 21,000 hectares, it is one of the largest municipalities in South Tyrol — and also one of the least populated. Here, the silence of nature reigns supreme, broken only by the whisper of the wind among the peaks and the slow pace of grazing animals.
A Village Born with Its Eyes on the Glacier
The modern history of Maso Corto as a tourist destination began in the 1930s, with the arrival of the first mountain enthusiasts. But it was in 1975 that the village took a decisive step forward: Leo Gurschler, owner of the Kurz farmstead, inaugurated the Val Senales Glacier Cable Car — a visionary project that connects the village to the glacier in just a few minutes.
The construction of the cable car not only boosted sports tourism but also created new job opportunities following the completion of the Vernago Dam, easing a difficult period of unemployment.
Today, the cable car stands as the symbol of Maso Corto and serves as a starting point for skiers, hikers, photographers, and high-altitude lovers.
An Unmissable Event: The Sheep Transhumance
Every autumn, Maso Corto becomes the stage for one of the most evocative traditions of the Alpine arc: the transhumance of the sheep. After spending the summer on the high pastures in Austria, over 4,000 sheep return to the valley, crossing the mountain passes on foot, guided by their shepherds.
This ancient ritual brings together culture, nature, and community, turning the return of the flocks into a true village festival, with music, traditional food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect time to visit Maso Corto and experience the most authentic side of Val Senales.
Maso Corto is a place where the mountains feel real — where history meets eternal snow and every season tells a different story. A small world suspended between sky and glacier, to be discovered slowly and with wonder.
