The route

100,000 metres of walking always above two thousand metres (and often above three thousand metres), 10,000 metres of ascent, 10 nights in huts, refuges or bivouacs among wild peaks. These are the numbers of the Via Alta Crio, characterised by a great variety of environments in which to experience unforgettable moments: vast mountain meadows, limpid alpine lakes, ten peaks whose altitude exceeds three thousand metres, sharp ridges seemingly impossible.

Flora and fauna

The variety of fauna, flora, geology and morphology surprises at every step and creates an extremely varied route. Breathtaking views stretch as far as the eye can see: from the wild surrounding peaks to the famous giants of the Alps.The first part of the route arrives at a panoramic terrace at almost 2,000 metres on which the Brogoldone Hut is located and reaches the Passo del Lucomagno.

Huts and refuges

The route links ten alpine huts and refuges, limiting height differences and offering stages of varying difficulty and length. Thanks to the numerous connections, to and from the valley floor, it is possible to walk the stages individually or to link them at will, creating a personalised itinerary.

A unique experience

Overnight stays in traditional huts or refuges contribute to the uniqueness of this experience. Some huts, where you stop for the night, were formerly small alpine pastures, others are constructions that were created as a support point for mountaineers and hikers.

1: Capanna Brogoldone - Capanna Cava

From the vantage point overlooking the Bellinzona region, the Via Alta Crio turns its back on the valley to venture into the remote and wild terrain of the Cresciano and Osogna Valleys to reach Capanna Cava.

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2: Capanna Cava - Rifugio Giümela

A crossing between two valleys that seems impossible, but right in the middle of the wall, an incredible rock ledge makes it possible to reach the opposite side.

3: Rifugio Giümela - Bivacco Piano della Parete

The lofty crest leads to Piz di Strega, then descends into Val Mèdra crossing along an incredible and wide-open trail. The climb to Cima dei Cogn (3'062 m) is very steep, but at this point the bivouac is nearby!

4:  Bivacco Piano della Parete – Capanna Quarnei

Upon reaching Cima Rossa (3,161 m), the long, high-altitude ridge crossing begins, touching no fewer than six 'three-thousanders' and ends with a descent to Capanna Quarnei.

5: Capanna Quarnei - Capanna Adula

This stage is short but intense! Hike along the slopes of the Adula (the highest peak in Ticino at 3,402 m) to Laghetto dei Cadabi, from where the descent begins along ancient glacial deposit terrain to Capanna Adula UTOE.

6: Capanna Adula UTOE - Rifugio Scaradra

Scree slopes and gigantic boulders characterise this stage. Climb the majestic and exposed southern ridges of Pizzo Cassimoi (3'128 m) and Pizzo Cassinello (3'102 m): climbing the rocks is not difficult, but it is breathtaking and picturesque.

7:  Rifugio Scaradra - Capanna Motterascio

Amidst green pastures, larch woods and the blue of Lake Luzzone, pass through a bucolic and relaxing environment where livestock is still reared, yielding high-quality genuine products.

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8: Capanna Motterascio - Capanna Scaletta

Cross the Greina plateau of vast spaces enclosed by peaks which preserve important geological and botanical diversity. Small lakes, peat bogs, meandering streams and curious marmots highlight the trail.

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9: Capanna Scaletta - Capanna Bovarina

Sasso Lanzone is poised between two worlds. Leaving the glaciers and their rubble behind, set off towards the green pastures in which Lake Retico, a true gem of the Alps, is nestled.

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10:  Capanna Bovarina - Passo del Lucomagno

Five kilometres along a sharp grassy ridge leads to the black rocks of the Passo di Gana Negra. Lago di Santa Maria is in the distance, the end point of the Via Alta Crio.