Stage 2: Capanna Cornavòsa-Lavertezzo

From the Capanna Cornavòsa, the day starts with a strenuous climb to the ridge at alt. 2006 m, the highest point of the tour, before you descend to the Alpe Fümegna. The path linking the Cornavòsa and Fümegna refuges is part of the Via Alta Verzasca (VAV), an alpine (white-blue-white) trail that includes exposed sections – surefootedness and a head for heights are a must.

The mountainscape here is stunning, and you're immersed in nature and silence. The Capanna Fümegna (June-October) is on the eponymous summer alp used by cattle in the months of June to August. The refuge offers beverages, accommodation and typical cheese.

The descent to Lavertezzo follows a white-red-white path back through the Val Pincascia, like the previous day. Anyone at the Capanna Cornavòsa wishing to avoid the Alpe Fümegna loop can simply return back the way they came. Lavertezzo is where you can catch a bus on the Locarno-Tenero-Sonogno route.