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Juliana SkiTour 2 - Nad Šitom glava (2087 m), a short and sweet ski tour

Ski Touring · Triglav national park
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  • Nad Šitom glava (desni vrh) nad zasneženo vršiško cesto
    / Nad Šitom glava (desni vrh) nad zasneženo vršiško cesto
    Photo: Janko Humar, The Julian Alps
  • / Nad prelazom Vršič
    Photo: Janko Humar, The Julian Alps
  • / Prisojnik
    Photo: Janko Humar, The Julian Alps
  • / Zasledovalci
    Photo: Janko Humar, The Julian Alps
  • / Na vrhu Nad Šitom glave, zadaj Mala Mojstrovka
    Photo: Janko Humar, The Julian Alps
  • / Pogled čez Trento proti Lepemu Špičju
    Photo: Janko Humar, The Julian Alps
  • / Dobrač, zadaj avstrijske Visoke Ture
    Photo: Janko Humar, The Julian Alps
  • / Proti Špiku in Škrlatici
    Photo: Janko Humar, The Julian Alps
  • / Zavoji proti dolini
    Photo: Janko Humar, The Julian Alps
  • / Kratka pavza
    Photo: Janko Humar, The Julian Alps
  • / Naprej navzdol proti prelazu
    Photo: Janko Humar, The Julian Alps
  • / Pogled nazaj na presmučano linijo
    Photo: Janko Humar, The Julian Alps
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A shorter but beautiful and scenic ski tour above Vršič, unjustly underrated compared to the much more visited neighboring Mala Mojstrovka.
moderate
Distance 2.9 km
2:30 h
463 m
463 m
2,087 m
1,611 m
Most visitors traveling across the Vršič Pass do not even notice Nad Šitom glava in the neighborhood of the elongated Mojstrovka and the mighty Prisojnik. The ascent and skiing from the top is a relatively short ski touring adventure. But it still contains all the elements of a classic ski tour: a relatively steep climb that requires caution, and stunning views from the top. Due to the considerable steepness, the descent in good conditions is a real treat.

Author’s recommendation

Nad Šitom glava, accompanied by an experienced ski touring guide, is a suitable introductory tour for good skiers who would also like to try ski touring.
Profile picture of Janko Humar
Author
Janko Humar 
Update: August 24, 2021
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Nad Šitom glava, 2,087 m
Lowest point
Prelaz Vršič, 1,611 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Cardinal direction
NESW

Safety information

Despite the fact that the ski tour is short, it is relatively steep and recommended only in stable snow conditions. After new snow, the risk of avalanches increases. In hard snow slipping becomes a danger. At the top, the cornices need to be considered. There are often large cornices that form on the leeward side of the ridge.

Tips and hints

Nad Šitom glava is a suitable choice if you do not have time for a full day tour. It is also recommended as an introduction to the ski touring season.

Start

Parking lot at the Vršič Pass (1611 m). If the pass is not plowed, the starting point is wherever the car can be parked. (1,605 m)
Coordinates:
DD
46.432992, 13.743374
DMS
46°25'58.8"N 13°44'36.1"E
UTM
33T 403458 5142924
w3w 
///solos.lining.willpower

Destination

Top of Nad Šitom glava (2087 m) – Vršič (1611 m) or where the car was parked.

Turn-by-turn directions

If the road over the pass is not plowed, leave the car wherever you can and continue along the snowy road to the pass. If the road is plowed, leave the car in the parking lot below Tičarjev dom (Tičar Lodge) (1611 m).

Continue straight up below Mojstrovka. At this point it is very likely to come across tracks made by previous tour skiers, as this is a popular tour. When the slope gradient increases, larch trees on the right side can be spotted. From there continue switch backing straight up. Alternatively, you can follow in the direction of Mojstovka below the steep walls above.Before entering the couloir leading to Vratca, turn right.

The ascent through the larch trees or the long traverse from the left leads us to slightly flatter slopes. Towards the right, ascend to the top of Nad Šitom glava (2087 m). On the summit ridge, avoid the cornices.

Despite the fact that Nad Šitom glava is a relatively modest peak compared to its neighbors, it still offers luxurious views: of the Julian Alps ridges on the Primorska side, on the steep walls of Prisojnik and Škrlatica in the neighborhood and further on to Austria, all the way to their highest mountain Grossglockner.

The slopes for the descent are mostly wide and ski-friendly. Choose the descent path that is most appropriate to your skiing ability.

Note


all notes on protected areas

Public transport

There is no public transport.

Getting there

From the Gorenjska side: From Kranjska Gora along the only road to the Vršič Pass.

From the Primorska side: from Bovec head in the direction of Trenta and on to the Vršič Pass.

Parking

Park on the top of the pass. In case the road is not plowed, leave the car wherever it is possible - taking care not to obstruct others or road machinery.

Coordinates

DD
46.432992, 13.743374
DMS
46°25'58.8"N 13°44'36.1"E
UTM
33T 403458 5142924
w3w 
///solos.lining.willpower
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

Igor Jenčič: Veliki turno smučarski vodnik (Sidarta)

Author’s map recommendations

Triglav 1:25.000 (PZS)
All publications

Equipment

Avalanche trio (avalanche beacon, avalanche probe, shovel), touring skis, bindings, ski boots; skins, ski crampons; ice axe, crampons.

Basic Equipment for Ski Touring

  • Ski Helmet
  • Goggles
  • Sunglasses
  • 2 pairs of Gloves: lightweight, breathable and windproof for going uphill, regular ski gloves for downhill
  • Neckwear
  • moisture wicking skull / knit cap
  • Layered, moisture wicking clothing
  • Lightweight rain and windproof ski jacket
  • Additional warm jacket
  • Long, warm technical socks plus liners and spares
  • Lightweight wind- and waterproof ski pants
  • 20 to 28 liter rucksack, preferably backcountry type
  • Lip protection (SPF 30+)
  • Ample supply of drinking water and snacks
  • First aid kit
  • Kit para bolhas
  • Bivy / survival bag  
  • Survival blanket
  • Headlamp
  • Pocket knife
  • Whistle
  • Cell phone
  • Cash
  • Navigation equipment / map and compass
  • Emergency contact details
  • ID

Technical Equipment for Ski Touring

  • Ski touring boots
  • Ski touring bindings to fit boots
  • Ski touring skins to fit skis
  • Skis
  • Ski poles, preferably telescopic type
  • Avalanche safety equipment to consider: beacon, avalanche probe, avalanche shovel
  • Ski touring crampons
  • Crevasse rescue kit
  • Ski touring harness
  • Light ice axe
  • Ski touring ropes
  • Avalanche airbag backpack
  • The 'basic' and 'technical' equipment lists are generated based on the selected activity. They are not exhaustive and only serve as suggestions for what you should consider packing.
  • For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions on how to properly use and maintain your equipment.
  • Please ensure that the equipment you bring complies with local laws and does not include restricted items.

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Photos from others

Difficulty
moderate
Distance
2.9 km
Duration
2:30 h
Ascent
463 m
Descent
463 m
Highest point
2,087 m
Lowest point
1,611 m
Out and back High-altitude ski tour Scenic Summit route
1600 m 1800 m
Morning
1600 m 1800 m
Afternoon

Avalanche conditions

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