Via Alta della Verzasca

The Via Alta progresses along the ridge of smaller valleys – small and precious like forgotten jewels – such as Val della Porta, Val Carecchio, Val Pincascia, Val d’Agro, Val d’Efra and Val Vegornèss. The route (signposted white and blue) does have some aids (steel cables etc.) to help with some of the most difficult parts. That makes it easier, although you should still have good basic mountaineering knowledge, be surefooted, in good physical shape and familiar with alpine weather. The Via Alta della Verzasca has been rated as the first white/blue alpine route with a high level of difficulty in the Alps and is known as one of the most beautiful summit hikes in Switzerland.

The Via Alta starts from the plain (Gordola, Tenero or Cugnasco) or from Vogorno the first village in Verzasca. The two paths take you on quite a climb: 1700 m up from Gordola and 1500 m from Vogorno. When you reach the Borgna mountain hut, where the trek actually starts, you won't have to climb so much (800-1000 m) but each stage still lasts quite long (6-10 hours on average). You can also do the hike from the other end (from Sonogno), although it won't make much difference in terms of time.

Please note: in the event of unforeseen, violent storms the valley streams near the refuges in Borgna, Efra and Cognora can swell very quickly and may be hard to cross; so be on your guard. You may want to wait a few hours in such an event or even turn back.