Denti della Vecchia

Looking north-east from Lugano you see a serrated ridge that looks out of place in Ticino: the Denti della Vecchia, dolomite spires that Lugano climbers have used for a century. Walking under them and then along them is the finest ridge day in the Lugano area.

The experience

We start at Cimadera and climb to the alpine club's Capanna Pairolo at 1,350 m: from there the path takes the ridge, passes under the towers and reaches its high point at 1,491 m, between Sasso Grande and Sasso Palazzo.

The loop closes on the Val Colla side. There are exposed moves where you use your hands: that is why this one always has a qualified guide and a small group.

This is not a beginners' walk: grade one moves, chains at two points, slippery ground in the rain. On wet ground the guide falls back on the lower loop around the hut. Lunch at the hut is optional and must be booked.

A valid ID in your pocket, not in your rucksack: Switzerland is not in the European Union and border checks do happen.

Mountain rescue is charged for: in Switzerland the helicopter is billed to the person who calls it. Guiddy accident insurance is included, but a Rega card (about €40 a year) or a policy covering rescue costs in Switzerland is what we suggest to everyone.

Swiss francs: huts and cable cars almost always take cards, but a few valley huts are still cash only. The European health card is valid in Switzerland for emergency care.

A9 to Lugano, then up Val Colla to Cimadera: an hour and a half from the ring road, with a narrow, twisting final stretch.

By car you need the Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40, valid for the calendar year) if you use the motorway: you buy it at the border, at petrol stations near the crossing, or online.

How hard is it, really

What's included in the price

Itinerary

One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Day

13 km · D+ 780 m · 5h30

Meeting point 8:30approximate

Meeting at Cimadera, Cimadera, Treciò, Canton Ticino, Svizzera. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.

HOW TO GET THERE

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A

08:30MEETING

Meeting at Cimadera

We meet the Guidders at the last village in Val Colla, where the road ends.

B

10:00MOUNTAIN HUT

Capanna Pairolo

The Lugano alpine club hut, open all year at weekends: coffee, then we take to the ridge.

C

11:30EXPERT TRAIL

Beneath the towers

Rocky moves beneath the dolomite spires, Lugano and the lake straight below.

D

13:00HIKING TRAIL

Towards Val Colla

We leave the ridge and return on the pasture side. Packed lunch.

E

15:00RETURN

Back to Cimadera

Down through the woods and back to the village.

What to bring

A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.

Questions?