Transhumanz – Sheep Drive to the Ötztal (Summer Ascent)

In 2025, the summer ascent of the Transhumanz took place in mid-June, according to the centuries-old tradition of Val Senales (Senales/Schnals, province of Bolzano). The flocks left the farms of Maso Corto/Kurzras and Vernago/Vernagt to reach the high-altitude pastures of Vent in the Austrian Ötztal via the Hochjoch and Niederjoch passes. The autumn return of the sheep was held on September 7 (Kurzras) and September 13, 2025 (Vernagt), marking the end of the alpine grazing season. In 2025, the lifts also opened at 9:00 AM to allow the public to witness the ritual, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.