Sentiero Cristallina: Ticino, Southern Switzerland

Stony mountain slopes, crystalline rock, high moorland, glacial alpine lakes, remote huts - this trail has it all, and then some.

Before I did this hike, I hadn’t given much thought to the Ticino Alps. To me, Ticino meant palm trees and turquoise rivers and Mediterranean vibes…but not remote alpine hikes. But wow, do I stand corrected. We embarked on stages 2 and 3 of the Sentiero Cristallina (with an overnight at Capanna Cristallina), deep in the Ticino mountains, and I was blown away. Stage 2 leads from the Robiei reservoir  up to the Passeo di Cristallina, passing alpine lakes and - if you are lucky - herds of ibex or chamois! The last stage (Stage 3) feels completely different. The route leads from Capanna Cristallina, down the stony mountain slopes into to lovely Alps and forests. I loved being on this trail with the morning sun, the warm rays brightening up the high moorlands of the Val Bedretto.

More photos of Stage 2 and Stage 3 of the Sentiero Cristallina hike.

• Start: Robiei (S. Carlo (Val Bavona))

• End: Airolo Funivia

• Basic route: Robiei - Passeo di Cristallina - Lago Sfundau - Capanna Cristallina (stay overnight) - Alpe di Cristallina - Airolo/Airolo Funiva

• Length and Rating: Moderate (if you utilize the cable cars at the beginning and end).