Karlesspitze, Mountain summit in the Schnalskamm, Ötztal Alps, on the Austrian-Italian border

Karlesspitze rises to 3,462 meters (11,358 feet) and marks the natural border between South Tyrol in Italy and Tyrol in Austria. The mountain can be approached from both sides and offers varying difficulty levels depending on the chosen route.

The summit has served as a geographical border marker since borders were established between Austria and Italy following World War I. The boundary line followed natural topographical features established through international agreements.

The name Karlesspitze appears as Grubspitze in the 1774 Atlas Tyrolensis, while Italian maps call it Cima di Quaira. The first tourist ascent on 30 August 1869 was made by the English economist Alfred Marshall with guides Blasius Grüner and Peter Paul Gstrein from Gurgl; Marshall left his calling card under stones on the summit, giving details of their route.

The main access points are from Sölden in Austria or the Schnals valley in Italy. Both approaches require alpine climbing experience and secure mountaineering technique, ideally with a guide or experienced climbing partner.

Alfred Marshall, the Cambridge economist, made the first tourist ascent on 30 August 1869 with guides Blasius Grüner and Peter Paul Gstrein from Gurgl. He left his calling card under stones on the summit, later found, with notes on his route. The mountain is also called Grubspitze in the Atlas Tyrolensis.