Canyoning Ticino region

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8 hotspots for canyoning in Ticino

Canyoning is a sport that is gaining more and more followers. Children aged 10-12 years are usually already allowed to participate if they can swim and are in good physical condition.

In Ticino there are many canyons and suitable gorges. You can find them in many places in Ticino. For example, the following villages belong to them:

  • Iragna
  • Lodrino or Cresciano in the municipality of Riviera
  • Giornico in the Leventina
  • Malvaglia and Pontirone in the Blenio Valley
  • Gordevio, Corippo or Bignasco in Locarnese

Organized canyoning is offered everywhere. They take place between May and October and also in rainy weather. You should only go canyoning with the prescribed equipment. It should also be taken for granted that you are accompanied by certified experts, otherwise the sport could very quickly become dangerous for you.

We show you the possibilities at 8 hotspots for canyoning in Ticino with its beautiful and exciting valleys.

Canyoning in Val Grande (Maggiatal)

The Val Grande is located in Maggiatal, which stretches about 60 km north from Lake Maggiore near Locarno and Ascona. The sunny Maggiatal is home to the Maggia River, flowing past rocks and traditional Ticinese villages.

Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vallemaggia (Maggiatal) include:

  • The 100 m high Foroglio waterfall in Val Bavona
  • The 60 m deep Cascata del Salto in Maggia (with swimming pool)
  • The 25 m tall “Little Niagara” waterfall in Val Grande

Val Grande is not far from Gordevio and is particularly suitable for beginners in canyoning.

This area features steep forests and cliffs that form a wild gorge. Canyoning is popular in this gorge, and you'll find not only jumping and climbing opportunities but also a 25 m long natural waterslide, one of the longest in Ticino.

We recommend doing canyoning in Val Grande only with a knowledgeable and experienced canyon guide. Canyoning tours in Val Grande are offered for beginners, families, or advanced participants with a certified guide.

Canyoning in the Verzascatal

The Verzascatal stretches 25 km from the northeast of Lake Maggiore up north. In the past, it was hard to reach and has thus managed to preserve much of its original charm. This makes it a popular spot for adventurers who love the untamed nature.

The wild Corippo Gorge near Vogorno is perfect for canyoning in the Verzascatal. It's also great for families and beginners if they join a guided canyoning tour in the Verzascatal.

In Vogorno, you can also try bungee jumping at the 220 m high reservoir. The river Verzasca flows through the Verzascatal, known for being dangerous and challenging, but it's popular among kayakers and divers. In contrast, the swimming spots around Lavertezzo are very shallow and loved by many, even referred to as the “Maldives of Switzerland.”

Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Verzascatal include:

  • Cascata Froda in Sonogno
  • Cascata di Val Moett in Gerra
  • Cascata della Crosa in Lavizzara
Canyoning in Val di Vira

The Val di Vira is located in the southern part of the stunning Lago di Maggiore, close to Monte Gambarogno. Short sections of gorges alternate with stretches of streams, making them popular for beginner canyoning courses. There are suitable abseiling spots, slides, and jumping areas available, with heights of about seven meters.

The guided canyoning in Vira lasts around two hours. Kids as young as 6 years old can join in on the fun. The gorge is accessible from May 1 to October 1.

Canyoning in Val d'Iragna

Val d'Iragna is part of the municipality Riviera and is bordered to the east by the Verzascatal. The Riale d'Iragna flows through it. The gorge in Val d'Iragna is perfect for an adventurous canyoning experience. It's especially narrow and features long natural water slides. Waterfalls up to 40 m high provide additional challenges and fun. You'll be climbing, rappelling, sliding, and swimming. Guided canyoning tours in Riviera are available daily from June to October.

Canyoning in Val di Lodrino

Canyoning in Val di Lodrino means adventure in a secluded side valley of the Riviera, located between Biasca and Bellinzona.

The Lodrino valley features a canyon known for its beauty, with numerous great rappelling spots, slides, and jump sites. Narrow passages and deep pools between massive rocks add extra excitement.

Daring slides surrounded by 200 m high granite cliffs provide a unique thrill. Jumps from a height of 15 m and rappels from 45 m deliver pure adrenaline. This canyon is only suitable for experienced canyoning enthusiasts.

At a 50 m rappelling spot, a waterfall suddenly gushes out from the rock after the first third, giving canyoners a thorough soaking. The canyoning experience lasts about 6-7 hours. Guided canyoning tours through the Lodrino gorge with certified guides are offered from time to time in the Riviera.

Canyoning in the Valle di Cresciano

The Valle di Cresciano is hidden from view from the Riviera, as it is a so-called hanging valley. It's definitely worth visiting this hidden valley. Within it lies the Boggera Gorge, featuring breathtaking waterfalls and smooth channels. Here, you'll find both roaring and clear water.

Especially the many natural slides are a highlight for canyoners. You can practice rappelling from a height of 25 m here. Kids can join guided tours starting from age 6. Canyoning tours for beginners in the Boggera Gorge are led by professional canyon guides. The tours start and finish in Riviera.

Canyoning in the Valle di Cugnasco

Canyoning in the Cugnasco Canyon is an adventure in the northeast of Lake Maggiore. The Riale Riavena river flows through this easily accessible canyon, which consists of an upper and a lower section.

You will be guided through beautiful pools and impressive waterfalls. The abseil points here reach heights of about 30 m, and the slides are approximately 10 m long. Jumps of up to 10 m are possible. Canyoning in the upper part of the canyon is mainly suitable for advanced canyoners. The narrow passages here are particularly breathtaking.

However, you don't have to tackle the high jumps and slides while navigating the gorge. The lower section of the Cugnasco Canyon is perfect for beginners and children when guided by a canyoning instructor.

Canyoning in Val Pontirone

One of the highlights of canyoning in the Pontirone gorge is the impressive 45-meter waterfall. There's also a free-hanging rappel station. Val Pontirone is located above Biasca and is a side valley of the Valle di Blenio.

The river Legiuna snakes through the valley. The Pontirone gorge is great for both sporty beginners and experienced adventurers. The drive from Malvaglia is a winding 13 km long.

As you can see, you will find endless possibilities for canyoning in Ticino. You experience a beautiful nature and can really let off steam. Waterfalls and pools offer the necessary cooling.

Frequently asked questions

Canyoning Ticino region · answered by our editorial team

For whom is canyoning suitable?

Canyoning can in principle be performed by any person. Decisive for the suitability is especially the selected canyon, which decides on the degree of difficulty and type of individual obstacles. In addition, there is the own physical fitness and from a certain level you should be able to swim. You must not be afraid of heights for this sport activity. It is recommended that you take a guided tour. Local canyon hikers will guide you to the most impressive and spectacular spots in the canyon.

What are the levels of difficulty in canyoning?

The evaluation of the difficulty of canyoning tours is very complex. In principle, the more water a canyon has, the more difficult it is. However, the water level in the canyons varies greatly. Therefore, a canyon is rated based on its average water level. There are several models for evaluating the difficulty

Mostly these criteria are taken into account:

  • Physical demand: endurance, strength, condition, balance
  • Psychological demand: Is the river particularly narrow, what nerve-racking challenges must be overcome?
  • Possible consequences: What dangers lurk, what can happen?

Fortunately, the Swiss canyon landscape offers the perfect route for every level. Easier gorges make it possible for everyone to try the trend sport once, even without prior knowledge

Many places also offer tours for the whole family, although the minimum age for children sometimes varies somewhat. In most cases, however, children should be at least 12 years old in order to participate in the gorge adventure. More difficult routes in Swiss gorges (especially in the south) are especially popular with experienced climbers and gorge hikers. They offer spectacular and challenging pro-level excursions.

Are there any requirements to participate in canyoning?

Sporting requirements depend on the level of difficulty: the more difficult the canyon, the more endurance and athletic you need to be. Physically fit, however, you should be in principle, because even on easier tours surefootedness, stamina and fitness are necessary. The weight limit is usually 125 kg

The exact requirements for canyoning are laid down in the General Guidelines Canyoning of the Swiss Outdoor Association.

What happens if I run out of strength while canyoning?

On beginner tours, in most cases it is possible to bypass overly challenging elements or continue on alternative routes. The mountain guide will safely lead you out of the situation.

How does canyoning work?

Normally, at the beginning of your adventure, you will be introduced by the guides to the various important elements of canyoning. You will be shown basic techniques for rappelling, jumping, sliding and much more. The experienced guides will help you with any questions or problems. They will make sure that your canyoning trip will be an absolutely unforgettable experience. Most of the bases are located near the canyons, which can be reached in short drives. Once you arrive at the canyon and before it really starts, final safety instructions and explanations will be given. From here the adventure begins: climbing, sliding, jumping, swimming and a full load of fun in nature!

How safe is canyoning?

In Switzerland, booked tours are always accompanied by very competent and experienced guides, which makes canyoning very safe. If you follow the instructions of the guides, nothing stands in the way of an unforgettable and great canyon experience. Certified or approved providers can be found at BASPO (Swiss Federal Office for Sport). How the training of the guides is regulated and what has to be observed in terms of safety can also be found in the General Guidelines Canyoning of the Swiss Outdoor Association. As with all activities in the medium risk range, among which canyoning is mostly counted, there is of course a risk of injury. Of course, an extreme sport should never be underestimated. Sometimes stones can come loose or one can slip. But even these risks can be kept to a minimum by letting the guides guide you.

What equipment do I need for canyoning?

To be able to hike the canyons, you need some equipment. In addition to complete neoprene clothing, you need good shoes and an alpine helmet. In addition, you need a life jacket and special canyoning equipment. Most of the providers provide such equipment completely. You usually only need to bring swimwear, a towel and a small backpack. This differs depending on the provider. Your guide will clarify this with you in advance.

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