Savour the Moment

South Tyrolean photo bloggers Judith Niederwanger and Alexander Pichler tell the story behind one of their favourite photos

We captured this photo during a circular hike on the Plose in early summer. The Alpine roses were in full bloom as we took on three summits, marvelling at the spectacular mountain panorama.

Setting off from the top station of the Plose gondola lift in the early afternoon, we honestly had no idea what to expect. But as soon as we reached our first summit, the Telegraph (2,486 m), we realised that the Plose offers some stunning views. And the further we walked, the better they got. After conquering our second summit, the Pfannspitze (2,545 m), we continued on to the Grosser Gabler (2,575 m), the Plose’s highest peak. Arriving at the top in the early evening, we knew that we had saved the best for last. Despite the easy climb, you are rewarded with a breathtaking panorama. The view extends from the main chain of the Alps all the way across to the Dolomites.

We decided to make the Gabler Biwak the focal point of our photo. This small wooden hut stands in the middle of the mountains with the mighty Aferer and Villnösser Geisler peaks towering above it. To make the mountains appear so close, we captured the scene using a telephoto lens.

Judith Niederwanger and Alexander Pichler run a successful blog called “Roter Rucksack” (German for “red backpack”). Their Facebook page of the same name has almost 20,000 likes and they have racked up more than 14,000 followers on Instagram. In 2019, they released a book showcasing some of the most beautiful hikes and photo spots in South Tyrol (published by Edition Raetia, available in German and Italian). They also regularly publish calendars featuring stunning imagery.

www.roterrucksack.com

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

70-200 mm

@ 78 mm

f/8

1/640 s

Taken on 16 June 2021 at 6:35pm