Capanna Gorda – Traditional Alpine Hut & Val di Campo Hiking Base

The Capanna Gorda is a small, traditional mountain hut located in the Val di Campo, a quiet side valley of the Valle di Blenio in the Canton of Ticino. Set on open alpine pastures surrounded by gentle ridges and rounded summits, it functions primarily as an accessible hiking destination and stage hut, deeply rooted in pastoral alpine culture rather than technical mountaineering.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Val di Campo, Valle di Blenio, Canton of Ticino, Switzerland

  • Altitude: ≈ 1,800–1,900 m

  • Type: Mountain hut / alpine chalet (non-SAC)

  • Capacity: Approx. 15–25 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded or open: typically June to October (weather-dependent)

  • Management: Local alpine association / cooperative

• Access & Approaches

  Access is straightforward alpine hiking, suitable for most hikers with basic mountain experience.

  • Main approaches: From the Val di Campo road head

  • Hiking time: ~1.5–3 hours

  • Elevation gain: ~400–700 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, meadows, pastoral tracks

  • Difficulty: T2

  No exposure, scrambling, or glacier travel is involved.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Facilities are simple and authentic.

  • Dormitory-style sleeping with blankets

  • Meals and refreshments during guarded periods

  • Drinking water available

  • Basic toilets

  Comfort is modest and focused on practicality and atmosphere.

• Food & Atmosphere

  Warm, local, and relaxed.

  • Traditional Ticino mountain cuisine

  • Frequented by hikers, families (with experience), and local groups

  • Calm evenings in a pastoral setting

  The surrounding meadows and silence define the hut’s character.

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The Capanna Gorda is well suited for:

  • Alpine hiking in the Val di Campo

  • Short multi-day trekking itineraries

  • Pastoral and cultural mountain walks

  • Scenic viewpoints over the Blenio region

  It is not intended for glacier travel or technical mountaineering.

• When to Go

  • Best season: June to September

  • Conditions: Generally stable; afternoon storms possible

  • Main risks: Wet trails, sudden weather changes

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Alpine hikers

  • Families with mountain experience

  • Trekking groups

  • Visitors seeking quiet, non-touristic mountain settings

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At around 1,850 m, the Capanna Gorda represents the gentle, pastoral side of Ticino’s Alps. Easy access, open scenery, and strong local identity make it ideal for hikers who value landscape, simplicity, and authenticity over altitude or technical challenge.