Haute Route du Soleil, from Ticino to Valais

This very scenic and beautiful skitouring itinerary takes us in westerly direction from the southern Ticino to the eastern part of the Valais and we cross the border from Switzerland to Italy several times. During this diverse and culturally interesting crossing we can ascend several skipeaks like the Blinnenhorn (3373m), Hohsandhorn (3182m) or Ofenhorn (3235m).

From the  Ticino to the Valais via hidden passes on the main divide between switzerland and italy

Highlights:

• Off the beaten track, far away from the crowds​
• Renovated Swiss and charming  Italian huts with a good kitchen and nice wines​
• Runs are often on northern aspects, meaning good snow!

This very scenic and beautiful skitouring itinerary takes us in westerly direction from the southern Ticino to the eastern part of Valais and we cross the border from Switzerland to Italy several times. During this diverse and culturally interesting crossing we can ascend several skipeaks like the Blinnenhorn (3373m), Hohsandhorn (3182m) or Ofenhorn (3235m). They offer fantastic views of the Alps. The area receives lots of snow and is ideal for skitouring. We stay in comfortable Swiss huts which have recently been renovated and an Italian hut where of course we will have great food and beautiful wines. The trip is  of intermediate level, but skitouring experience is required and you should be in excellent physical shape. You should be able to descend smoothly in all types of snow. The real skitouring enthusiast will be very happy here, as the area is not crowded with quiet huts. Away from the popular places you will enjoy even more!

Meeting point is in Airolo / Bedrettotal in the canton of Ticino, on the south side of the Gotthard tunnel in a nice hotel. The first day of the program we take the cable car to the small ski area of ​​Airolo, there is time for safety exercises and some nice skiing. We will climb a small summit on the skins, so that we know that the material is all fine. We are now ready for this beautiful elegant skitour, far away from the hustle and bustle of the big known ski resorts. After the first 2 nights in the hotel we will spend the rest of the week in nice mountain huts, partly in Italy. A short bus ride takes us to the Valle Bedretto where we start skinning up to the Cristallina hut (2568m). The route goes through a scenic valley with beautiful larch forests. We have to climb 1250m in 4 to 5 hours. The Cristallina mountain hut has recently been renovated and you feel at ease here in its 4-12 person dorms. After a nice meal we go to bed early. 

The second day tour goes over the Vallegia glacier and over a few cols to the beginning of the descent through the beautiful Vale Cavagnolo to All'Acqua (1614m). Here we might be able to drink a coffee before continuing on the closed Nufenenpass road and then further up to the Capanna Corno-Gries (2338m). Today some 1000m up and 1250m downhill. Also a nice hut with -if available upon supplement- a double room or in the regular dormitory. 

The next day, the beautiful stage over the large Gries Glacier to the summit of the Blinnenhorn (3373m) is on the program. A nice descent to the Italian Rifugio Claudio e Bruno follows. This is a big stage, we will be on our feet for about 6 hours with 1170m uphill and 800m downhill. Of course it is nice to spend some time here in Italy, good food and delicious wine! The good life in la Bella Italia. Then we return to Switzerland for the last stage to the Walliser Binntal. We only have to skin up some 900m for a kilometer-long descent with 2080m difference in altitude. First we climb the Hohsandhorn (3182m) and / or the Ofenhorn (3235m). Then the descent through the wild valley to Binn. We take a taxi to the Gomstal where we take the train back to Airolo via Göschenen near Andermatt near Fiesch. This goes pretty fast, about 2 hours and we look forward to a good shower at the hotel, the last meal and a good bed.