Alpine Lakes Trekking

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FusioPhoto: Timo Cadlolo
A journey of discovery among the blues of water and sky.
5 days and 4 nights
Elevation gain 5020 m
Highest altitude reached 2698 m
14 alpine lakes
Stunning panoramas
Silence and nature
An infinity of emotions!
Are you ready to start?
Five days full of emotions and nature, five days dedicated to alpine water: this is the promise of this new high-altitude route suspended over the Upper Vallemaggia, bordering neighboring regions. Countless lakes to discover. Sometimes it is the surprise of a tiny and secluded water mirror nestled in a mountain crevice, or the ripple of a small lake that from afar already attracts our curiosity and will offer us its grassy shore for a well-deserved break, or the calm surface of a basin silently dedicated to renewable energy production. Or the flowing water: springs and waterfalls, rivulets, streams and brooks from which three of the main rivers of the Lepontine Alps arise: Maggia, Ticino and Toce. And that's not all. There is also icy water: large and small glaciers illuminating our path.
Then there is the crossing of borders. Every step opens our eyes to a new basin between Vallemaggia, Formazza and Leventina. Landscape and panorama constantly change their layout and appearance. We are beyond the tree line, and the spaces are open, ready to offer us generous visions of an alpine world that is half sky. And home to countless animal species, from the ibex to the chamois, from the golden eagle to the peregrine falcon, from the marmot to the ermine to the fox and the white hare.
Not to forget the hospitality. From the unattended refuge, where we enjoy cooking ourselves, to the typical alpine hut managed by people who know how to spoil us, to the mountain hotel equipped with rooms and showers: even the evenings are dedicated to discovery and diversity.
In short, a journey in which water will not be the only wonder.
Author’s recommendation
Some huts open their doors as early as June, when the connecting stages are usually still snow-covered.
Generally, the best season for trekking is from July to September/October. However, even in the middle of summer, it is advisable to contact the wardens for information about the practicability of the route.
Booking overnight stays is mandatory to avoid unpleasant surprises and ending up without accommodation.
Check availability: https://www.viaaltavallemaggia.ch/it/verifica-disponibilita


Ascona-Locarno Tourism Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Mountain hut Poncione di BragaCapanna Basodino
Albergo Robiei
Rifugio Maria Luisa
Mountain hut Cristallina
Chiosco del Sambuco
Safety information
The Alpine Lakes Trekking follows mainly mountain trails (T3 according to the hiking difficulty scale) with sections of alpine trail (T4). It should therefore not be taken lightly, especially due to the length of some stages and the altitude, which sometimes approaches 3000 meters.
Therefore, the following are required:
- adequate physical condition
- detailed planning (current conditions, weather, etc.)
- secure footing on uneven terrain (scree, etc.)
Do not underestimate:
- high altitude
- rapid weather changes
- presence of snowfields at the beginning of the season
- travel times (especially with large groups)
- often no phone reception
- lack of potable water sources along some stages
International emergency number: 112
112 is the general emergency number. When you call it, your call is transferred directly to the competent rescue unit (ambulance, police, fire brigade). 112 can be called on GSM networks even if the SIM card or phone is locked. In almost all countries, 112 works on GSM networks. Outside Switzerland, it also works without a SIM card.
Tips and suggestions
https://www.vialtavallemaggia.ch/
https://www.capanneti.ch/ (huts)
https://map.geo.admin.ch/ (topographic map)
http://www.robiei.ch/ (Robièi cable car)
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
National map 1:25,000
- 1271 Basòdino
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1272 Pizzo Campo Tencia
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1251 Val Bedretto
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1252 Ambri Piotta
Equipment
- good boots
- appropriate clothing
- sunglasses, sun protection
- map 1:25,000, altimeter, compass, GPS
- small first aid kit, emergency thermal blanket
- enough food and drinks
- identity card, cash money (francs and euros)
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Weather at the starting point
Statistics
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Plan your stay
Sole
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