Hiking in Ticino - Winter/Daytrip.

Transportation, Travel and Trips
1
Hi all,

I have spontaneously decided to go to Ticino tomorrow for a day trip. It looks as if there will be a bit of sun there, compared to cloudy Zurich.

I'll catch an early train and be in Lugano around 8 am and would want to leave Lugano by 5 pm, so I'll have about 9 hrs to explore.

Unfortunately, the tourist info center in Lugano only opens at 9 am, so I am trying my luck here instead for a bit of advice and inspiration.

I would love to do a hike.

I have been looking at the San Salvatore Panorama Trail to Morcote. (Morcote has been on my bucket list for a very long time).

Would this trail be fine this time of year?

Are there other trails/hikes in Ticino that you would rather recommend this time of year?

I am looking for a hike that is between 10 and 20 km long. I have relatively good endurance but am not good with trails that are too technical (I travel alone).

To compare, - my last hike in Ticino was back in August when I went from Ponte di Corippo to Locarno via Mergoscia, Monti di Lego and Monte Brè (20km/950m+/1210m-). But my shape is not the same during winter, so I am looking for something less demanding than that. Especially in terms of elevation gain.

Thank you in advance!

2
Check carefully

The funi from Lugano to San Salvatore seems to be closed.

From Google.

I would not do that.

Just walk along the lake

3

Thanks @Irish temptation

Where do you see it is closed?
When I go to their webpage it seems to be open (on weekends only):
https://www.montesansalvatore.ch/en/…ble-and-fares/

4
It has been dry and sunny here for the last few days, so the trails should hold no nasty surprises.

I think the trail to Morcote goes past the top station of the funiculare.

The views are stunning up there this time of year (and it is a lot more peaceful without the train traffic).

You could also spend time in Carona and Parco San Grato, if Morcote seems like a bit of a stretch.

A less demanding alternative could be the Herman Hesse trail which takes you around Montagnola and you can start/finish at the station.

5

https://www.ascona-locarno.com/de/ak…=winter_alpine

6

That one is perfect for this time of year and if you come by train, just skip the san salvatore if it’s closed until 10 am. Take the bus to Ciona first to avoid the ascent and there is no straight trail. To return you can catch a bus in Morcote every half hour. See itinerary below:
https://goo.gl/maps/T3WddrVWa79NfgRg8

7

If you are fit, you can also hike up to Monte San Salvatore (from Lugano Paradiso station), then along the ridge and down to Morcote. The whole thing took me four and a half hours when I did it - description here .

An easier alternative would be the Monte San Giorgio .

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Yes ypu're right. But only from 10 am onwards.

9

Thank you all for your kind input.
I had a wonderful time on the Panorama trail.
You were right Meerrkat33. It seemed like the perfect time of the year to do this! I had the trails mostly for myself, the lack of foliage gave me incredible panoramic views and the weather was just about perfect. Best of all: Hardly any tourists in Morcote. A place I can imagine is overrun by tourists in high season. Having said that, - I will probably repeat this hike again when the Rhododendrons in Parco San Grato are in bloom and then as you suggest Stephen_E - hike to San Salvatore as well.

I had brought a lunchbox, - which turned out a good idea as the restaurant on the route was closed.

P.S. In the spirit of sharing, I also wrote the tourist information center in Lugano and this is what they said:

“As I was reading your email, I was also thinking of proposing the walk from Monte San Salvatore to the village of Morcote.
Several hikes are currently impracticable due to snow. For example, excursions to Monte Bar or Monte Boglia. Better to stay lower in altitude.
The panoramic trail from Monte San Salvatore to Morcote is also practicable at this time of year. You can also take advantage of it to visit the beautiful villages of Carona and Morcote.
https://www.luganoregion.com/en/see-…nsula-s-allure
The route is about 10 km long and lasts 3 hours. The Monte San Salvatore funicular railway opens at 10 a.m. at the weekend.
You can return from Morcote to Lugano by taking Postbus number 431.”

10

I have been a few times just North of Bellinzona for hiking.

It’s a really great area in the mountains.

Always stay at an airbnb in Gorduno. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3292489…WpBdVEqOWNDsoo

We noticed the host is often not there so you get the use the place by yourself. The good thing is that, if he is there, he always has great tips for hiking. He is a Swiss hunter and knows all the good places to go