The Via Alta del Sole extends for about 51 km of walking, mostly above 2,000 meters altitude, with a total ascent of approximately 5,600 meters and the same amount of descent. The route is divided into 5 stages with overnight stays in huts and refuges, mainly following white-blue trails intended for experienced hikers. Although it requires good preparation and confident footing, it ranks among the medium difficulty Ticino High Routes (T4, with some T4+ segments), being less demanding compared to other alpine itineraries in the region.

Flora and fauna

Along the Via Alta del Sole you encounter rich and diverse natural environments: alpine pastures, sparse forests, and rocky areas. The region hosts typical alpine fauna, with chances to spot chamois, marmots, and many bird species, along with flora that varies with altitude and seasons.

Huts and refuges

The route is punctuated by welcoming alpine huts and refuges, ideal points for rest and overnight stays. These facilities offer authentic hospitality and allow a full mountain atmosphere, often in panoramic locations.

A unique experience

The Via Alta del Sole is much more than a trek: it is a journey through light, nature, and freedom. Each stage provides different sensations, among silences, open horizons, and the slow rhythm of walking, making it an unforgettable experience for mountain lovers.

The stages

1: Pian d'Alpe Hut (1,764 m) - Bassa di Nara Refuge (2,110 m)
(6h30, 1,500 m ascent, T4)

The scent of resin accompanies the ascent to the Matro antenna, an excellent panoramic point. A stunning and continuous ridge running (it almost feels like flying) above the Leventina and Blenio valleys, touching as many as 8 peaks. The route ends on the wide saddle where the Bassa di Nara refuge lies.

2: Bassa di Nara Refuge (2,110 m) - Gana Rossa Refuge (2,727 m)
(3h40, 865 m ascent, T4)

The grassy ridges narrow, rocks appear, fixed ropes become more continuous, and the large cross on Pizzo Molare signals the importance of this summit: the character of the route takes shape! Following the watershed line, you walk admiring the parallel alpine ranges with the Adula to the east and Campo Tencia to the west.

3: Gana Rossa Refuge (2,727 m) - Cadagno Hut (1,987 m)
(6h15, 1,150 m descent, T4+)

The eye accustomed to the intense green of the pastures so far turns to the gray hues of granite (Gneiss). The ridge becomes rocky; sometimes progression requires hands, and the Sun (Pizzo del Sole) can be seen in the distance. The ridge continues to separate Blenio from Leventina, with two historic passes on the horizon: the Lukmanier and the Gotthard.

4: Cadagno Hut (1,987 m) - Cadlimo Hut (2,569 m)
(4h, 1,050 m ascent, T4)

Steep slopes and ridge sections connect various small lakes (Cadagno, Dentro, Oréi, Stabbio, Scuro, etc.) scattered in this alpine region. Like gems set in the rocks, they offer many shades of blue, emotional hues influenced by the color of the rocks and sky.

5: Cadlimo Hut (2,569 m) - Barbarera-San Gottardo (2,091 m)
(6h30, 980 m descent, T5)

For those who want to follow the ridge and complete this trek with a stage embracing the philosophy of the previous 4 days, that is "walking above the valleys," this path is a must. The ridge between Pizzo Barbarera and Unteralppass is T5, not difficult, with trails and some ropes, but the step must be sure.

5A: Cadlimo Hut (2,569 m) - Val Canaria-San Gottardo (2,091 m)
(6h, 950 m descent, T3)

From the highest guarded hut in Ticino, you descend into the wild and rugged Val Canaria, but it is only a "touch and go," useful to find larches and pines again. Soon you climb back to the altitude maintained until the most historic pass of Switzerland, characterized by the slow motion of wind turbines and the magic of the place.

5B: Cadlimo Hut (2,569 m) - Vermigel-San Gottardo (2,091 m)
(8h, 1,360 m ascent, T4)

To reach the Bornengo Pass you savour a beautiful aerial ridge of T4 with fixed ropes and steps (but there is also an alternative white-red trail). Then follows a long itinerary to the Gotthard with ups and downs and a valley to ascend: many hours of walking, unless you choose to stay overnight halfway and turn the trek into 6 days!