Trail Running recommended route

Contra-Alpe Cardada

Trail Running · Ascona-Locarno
Logo Ascona-Locarno Tourism
Responsible for this content
Ascona-Locarno Tourism Verified partner 
  • Contra-Alpe Cardada
    Contra-Alpe Cardada
    Photo: Ascona-Locarno Tourism
Hint

Explanation

Selected alternatives for you
    Experience an unforgettable trail running adventure on the fascinating 'Contra-Alpe Cardada' loop. The trail, which is fully marked, features an exciting ascent and an equally technical descent accompanied by numerous breathtaking views.
    moderate
    Distance 16.1 km
    3:00 h
    1,193 m
    1,193 m
    1,486 m
    478 m
    The adventure begins in Contra, in front of the town hall and the church of San Bernardo. The trail run starts with a steep climb immediately tackling a series of steps that quickly lead into the forest towards the Monti di Lego. After crossing this impressive landscape, an incomparable natural spectacle opens up with a panoramic view of the lake. The climb to Alpe Cardada is a continuous series of challenges that offer a unique experience at every step.

    Once you reach Alpe Cardada, the descent begins, leading back to the centre of Contra. The trail quickly passes through the settlements of Monti di Chiodo, Giorledo and Cordonico, where you can admire numerous restored rustici (stone houses) with views of Lake Maggiore. The descent ends in the area of Ronco di Bosco at kilometre 12, from where the route alternates between flat sections and gentle climbs and finally leads back to Contra, the start and finish point of this adventure.

    Author’s recommendation

    The trail is signposted anti-clockwise. Follow the white signs with the "Contra-Alpe Cardada" sticker.
    Profile picture of Mariano Berri
    Author
    Mariano Berri 
    Update: June 20, 2024
    Difficulty
    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
    0.6 km
    Path
    13.5 km
    Road
    0.1 km
    Show elevation profile

    Rest stops

    Capanna Lo Stallone
    Capanna Cardada
    Mountain hut Grotto Monti di Lego

    Safety information

    From December to April, the section between Monti di Lego and Alpe Cardada in particular can become slippery with snow and ice due to the reduced amount of sunlight. Special care should therefore be taken during this period.

    Start

    Contra
    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
    w3w 
    ///hips.reclining.solves

    Destination

    Contra

    Turn-by-turn directions

    Contra-Monti di Lego-Alpe Cardada-Chiodo-Giorledo-Monte Cordonico-Monte Baffi-Ronco di Bosco-Lögh del Biàdigh-Contra

    Public transport

    Public-transport-friendly

    The Conta, Paese bus stop is easily accessible by bus B323 from Tenero, Stazione or bus B312 from Locarno, Stazione. More information on 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
    w3w 
    ///hips.reclining.solves
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Equipment

    • Light running backpack (approx. 5 to 10 liters) with rain cover if necessary
    • Trail running shoes
    • Special running socks if necessary
    • Adequate and breathable clothing in multiple layers
    • Trail running sticks if necessary
    • Sun and rain protection
    • Snacks and drinking water
    • First aid kit
    • Penknife
    • Mobile phone
    • Headlight and reflectors if necessary
    • Maps

    Similar routes nearby

    • Valle Verzasca Trail
    • Locarno Trail
    • Cimetta Trail
    • Pizzo Leone Trail
    • Gambarogno Trail
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    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 route's trailhead

    Statistics

    • Content
    • Show images Hide images
    Features
    Maps and trails
    • 7 Waypoints
    • 7 Waypoints
    Push the arrows to change the view
     km Distance
    : h Duration
     m Ascent
     m Descent
     m Highest point
     m Lowest point

    Plan your stay