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Trail Running
· Ascona-Locarno
closed
Contra-Alpe Cardada Trail
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Ascona-Locarno Tourism Verified partner
Ascona-Locarno Tourism Verified partner
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Contra-Alpe CardadaPhoto: Ascona-Locarno Tourism
This route passes through an inaccessible area and is therefore closed. Current information
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Experience an unforgettable trail running adventure on the scenic circular route "Contra-Alpe Cardada." The entirely marked route features an exciting ascent and an equally technical descent accompanied by numerous breathtaking views.
closed
moderate
Distance 16.1 km
Duration3:00 h
Ascent1,193 m
Descent1,193 m
Highest point1,486 m
Lowest point478 m
The adventure starts at Contra, in front of the Town Hall and the Church of San Bernardo. The route begins with a steep ascent, immediately tackling many steps that lead quickly from the village centre into the forest towards the Monti di Lego. Crossing this evocative setting reveals an unparalleled natural spectacle offering a beautiful panoramic view of the lake. The climb towards Alpe Cardada is a continuous succession of challenges that offers a unique experience at every step.
Upon reaching Alpe Cardada, the descent begins, leading back to the village of Contra. The path runs swiftly through the ancient mountains of Chiodo, Giorledo, and Cordonico, offering the chance to admire numerous restored rustic buildings overlooking Lake Maggiore. The descent ends in the Ronco di Bosco area, at kilometer 12 of the run. From here on, the path alternates between flat stretches and gentle climbs, finally returning to Contra, the starting and finishing point of the adventure.
Author’s recommendation
The route is marked in a counterclockwise direction. Follow the white signs with the "Contra-Alpe Cardada" sticker.
Responsible for this content
Ascona-Locarno Tourism Verified partner
Ascona-Locarno Tourism Verified partner
Difficulty
T2
moderate
Overall difficulty
moderate
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Highest point
1,486 m
Lowest point
478 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Asphalt 12.16%Forested/wild trail 3.69%Path 83.74%Road 0.39%
Asphalt
2 km
Forested/wild trail
595 m
Path
13.5 km
Road
63 m
Rest stops
Mountain hut Grotto Monti di LegoCapanna Lo Stallone
Capanna Cardada
Safety information
From December to April, especially along the trail section between the Monti di Lego and Alpe Cardada, snowy or icy conditions may occur due to less sun exposure. It is therefore advised to pay particular attention during this period.
Roadbook
Contra-Monti di Lego-Alpe Cardada-Chiodo-Giorledo-Monte Cordonico-Monte Baffi-Ronco di Bosco-Lögh del Biàdigh-Contra
Rest stop
Tip
Nearby
Top Partner
Waypoint
Start point
End point
Low point
High point
Forecast
Today {low} to {high} and {precipitation} of {precipitation_type}
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Photo
Video
Contra, PaeseMountain hut Grotto Monti di Lego
Monti di Lego
Capanna Lo Stallone
Capanna Cardada
Panorama sul Lago Maggiore
Monte Cordonico
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The Contra, Village stop is easily accessible by bus from Tenero, Station (Bus B 323) or from Locarno, Station (Bus B 312). For more information, consult the website www.ffs.ch.
Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'708'161E 1'116'202N
DD
46.188594, 8.839638
DMS
46°11'18.9"N 8°50'22.7"E
UTM
32T 487625 5115014
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Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!
Equipment
👕 Clothing:
- Breathable technical t-shirt
- Trail shorts or leggings
- Anti-blister sports socks
- Light windbreaker/rain jacket
- Cap or headband
- Sunglasses with UV protection
👟 Shoes:
- Trail shoes with good grip
🥤 Hydration and nutrition:
- Trail running backpack or belt
- At least 1 liter of water
- Energy snacks: bars, gels, or dried fruit
🧭 Safety and navigation:
- Charged mobile phone
- Map or GPS track of the route
- Emergency whistle
- Mini first aid kit
- Emergency thermal blanket
☀️ Other advice:
- Sunscreen
- Anti-chafing cream
- Trail poles (optional)
Localization
Parts of this content were machine translated using Italian as the source language
Status
closed
Difficulty
T2
moderate
Overall difficulty
moderate
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Distance
16.1 km
Duration
3:00 h
Ascent
1,193 m
Descent
1,193 m
Highest point
1,486 m
Lowest point
478 m
Public-transport-friendly
Round trip
Scenic
Refreshment stops available
Insider tip
Weather at the starting point
Statistics
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Maps and trails
7 Waypoints
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Distance
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Ascent
Descent
Elevation profile
Plan your stay
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