Roßkofel
The Gartnerkofel (2195 m), the Trogkofel (2280 m) and the Roßkofel (2240 m). Just like at the Trogkofel, the border between Austria and Italy also runs across the Roßkofel. By the way, its Italian name is „Monte Cavallo di Pontebba“.
„Cavallo“ is Italian for the word „horse“ and the town of Pontebba is known to everyone who has already taken a downhill ride from the Nassfeldpass to the Kanaltal Valley. Why our friends in the South gave the mountain this name becomes clear when you see the mountain or when you actually stand on it.
One thing is clear and „rock solid“:
The Roßkofel has some special geological features to offer. Firstly, there is the „summit hood“ which is formed by Carboniferous rocks, which in turn lay on top of older coralline limestone formations from the Devonian period. As the result of mountain forming processes during the earlier Carboniferous period, this limestone formation was bent into a north-turning fold. Just like at the neighbouring Trogkofel, intensive weathering, erosion and karstification set in, leaving only a sort of limestone ruin of the Devonian limestone formation.
Crevices, pockets or small basins, formed during this period and still containing sandy sediments from the Upper Carboniferous age, are crossed during the climb up to the summit.
The „Schneefinkenmulde“ is situated between the Rudnig Saddle and the main summit. The entrance to the „Klondike Cave“, which was discovered at border point p-26 in 1983, is also nearby. It is the largest and longest currently known cave within the four cave systems of the Roßkofel. The cave is 1453 m deep and has a gradient of 677 m. There is plenty of water – karst water worth protecting – which is mainly a benefit to our neighbours in the South.
You can be assured that there are plenty of roaring waters and a widely ramified cave system beneath your mountain boots during your Roßkofel hiking tour. By the way, the karst river in the lower part of the cave has been named „Yukon“ by speleologists and is the most impressive drainage system.