Salèi and Pizzo Zucchero Trail (SvizzeraMobile 638)

300 curves lead up to Spruga, the last village of the Onsernone Valley, at 1100 m altitude. The picturesque Ticino village sits on a sunny terrace above the deep gorge of the Isorno River. With its rustic stone houses, alpine pastures, steep trails, and forests resembling primeval woodland, the valley has preserved its original character.

From Spruga, the stepped trail winds upward toward Al Piansécc. In the shade of the larches, follow the old path to Alpe Pescéd. After another 200 meters of elevation gain, you pass the highest point of the hike and reach the Munzzelümm mountain massif. The panoramic mountain trail skirts the alpine pond of Salèi, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Shortly after, you reach Alpe Salei and the eponymous hut. The Salei Hut lies in the middle of vast meadows, where in spring the rock ptarmigan performs its mating ritual, and in summer cows graze. It is worth stopping on the sunny terrace: the view extends to Lake Maggiore. Those who prefer to avoid the 1100 meters of ascent can reach the hut by cable car from Vergeletto.

The 30-minute ascent to Pizzo Zucchero starts from the Salei Hut. The climb begins gently, then the trail becomes steeper. At the summit, the view extends over the Vergeletto and Onsernone valleys and down to the Magadino Plain. If visibility is good, the Monte Rosa massif can be seen in the distance. The view is even more enjoyable from the "Swing the World" swing.

Return to the hut by retracing the ascent route. From there, the trail turns left and winds through the idyllic Val Lavadina, passing the sunny hamlet of Lig'ünc, until reaching Comologno. The last section towards the village is again rich in steps.

(Source: SvizzeraMobile)

Attention: In the area of the Alpe Salei Hut and the alpine pond of Salei there are flocks guarded by protection dogs.