Alpe Cuasca

A cold dip in the Valle Maggia

Alpe Cuasca sits in a beautiful spot high above the Valle Maggia, an old Ticino stone house in a wild, almost deserted landscape. The way up is a proper Ticino summer hike: T4, around 1600 metres of climbing, over stepped terrain that eats more time than the distance suggests — relaxed spread over two days.

The best part on a hot day comes along the way: down at La Valle there are clear pools, made for an ice-cold dip and a long rest on the warm rocks, with good tent spots right beside them. Stay higher up and the self-catering hut at Alpe Cuasca offers a roof, a simple kitchen and a place to linger.