Via Alta Idra

The first stage begins at the Nufenen Pass at an altitude of 2000 meters, near the source of the Ticino. It leads past the managed Capanna Corno Gries, where you can also spend the night. Passing mountain flanks and the plain of the Passo San Giacomo, you will ascend the Canale del Becco with the help of ropes and stirrups and descend a little to the Capanna Cristallina.

From there, the longest, but less technically demanding, stage of the hike begins. It leads you over passes and past lakes to Capanna Garzonera. If you’re lucky, you might have a chance of spotting marmots along the way.

The route from Capanna Garzonera to Capanna Leìt requires concentration. At first, the route leads over stone and rock. Over Triassic seabeds, to be precise. But the stage will also include a plateau with a stream where you’ll want to linger and rest. It’s all about balance!

The following is the shortest stage of the entire tour. It gives you the choice of either resting on the shores of Lago di Morghirolo or tackling the technically challenging Cresta dei Corni ridge crossing, which leads from Passo Morghirolo to the summit of Campo Tencia. If you choose to hike the Cresta dei Corni, be sure you’re well-rested beforehand.

The fifth stage will guide you past three-thousand-meter peaks up to the Passo di Ghiacciaione and on to Pizzo Forno. The route then descends into the valley of Valle di Chironico to Capanna Alpe Sponda.

The next day, no surprise, the route climbs again. The effort is rewarded with a view of the Verzasca Valley. This is where the Via Alta della Verzasca begins, which you will now follow for several days. On this day, it takes you as far as Capanna Barone.

The Via Alta della Verzasca connects the Verzasca Valley with the Passo di Piatto and will take you from Capanna Barone to Capanna Cògnora.

The eighth stage will make the hearts of experienced mountaineers beat faster. It includes three peaks, with several climbing passages to conquer. At 2741 meters (8992 ft), Madom Gröss is the highest point of the Via Alta Idra. On the way to Pizzo Cramosino, the exposed rocky ridge of Passo del Gatto has to be overcome. A final descent leads you to the well-deserved Capanna Efra.

The next day holds a ridge walk with fantastic panoramic views in store. A ridge also leads from the Capanna Cornavosa to the Capanna Borgna at a dizzying height with views down into the valley.

There are two options from the Capanna Borgna. The slow descent begins via the main path, first climbing to the summit of Sassello. From there, the route continues over a walkable wall, which once served to protect the forest from ravenous ungulates to the Capanna Monti Motti.

Alternatively, you can take the variation from Capanna Borgna via the Passo di Ruscada and the Cima dell’Uomo summit to Capanna Albagno and the Mornera cable car.

The final stage of the Via Alta Idra begins at the Capanna Monti Motti. It leads you further downhill, past forests and streams, to the Tenero plain.

Hiking the Via Alta Idra is from July until September when there is no snow and accomodations are open. However, be aware that the huts will be booked early, especially because some of the mountain huts are easily accessible. Book as early as you can!

Additionally, if you choose to hike in September or early July, be aware that there may be lingering (or fresh) snowbanks to navigate at the higher elevations. Check weather and trail reports, as well as reach out to the hut wardens, to learn more.

Before the hike, research information about the route (length, altitude, difficulty, current conditions) and assess your skills realistically. The Walker’s Haute Route is a challenging hike, which requires experience in alpine terrain, surefootedness, and proper equipment.

Invest in the right hiking gear, including comfortable, supportive footwear with a good grip, proper hiking clothing, such as warm base layers and a hardshell rain jacket, hiking poles, a well-fitted backpack, and essential equipment like maps, GPS devices (or the GPX on your mobile), and a first-aid kit.

For staying overnight in the refuges, bring a light sleeping bag, in addition to the provided blankets, and earplugs for a restful night. Check out our comprehensive gear list for long-distance trails for more ideas.

If you walk by yourself, share your plans with somebody else for your own safety.

The weather in the high mountains can change rapidly. Always check the trail conditions and local weather forecasts, be prepared for all conditions, including rain, sun, or snow and alter your itinerary if needed.

Stay properly hydrated and nourished. Ensure you have enough water and snacks to maintain energy levels and prevent dehydration and exhaustion. Bring at least two liters of water with you. Especially in remote sections or near livestock grazing areas, it is recommended to use a water filter or purification tablets.

Respect the principles of Leave No Trace by minimizing your impact on the environment. Stick to designated trails, take all your trash with you, and show respect for wildlife and natural habitats (keep your distance and don’t feed them).

The Via Alta Idra is a challenging alpine hike that varies in difficulty. There are some stages with exposed, fall-prone and scrambling sections that are only suitable for experienced mountaineers (T5-T6). Other stages are also suitable for families and can be tackled as individual sections thanks to the numerous ascents and descents to the valleys.