Snowshoeing: Discover the Winter Mountains
- Activity: Alpine Sports Base - Airolo
- Start date: 11 December 2026 / 18:00
- End date: 13 December 2026 / 17:00
- Location: Fuori sede
- Address: Casa della Sostenibilità, Via della Stazione 46, Airolo
- Course language:
- Italiano
- English
A camp dedicated to discovering the winter mountains on snowshoes, through snow-covered forests, high-altitude landscapes and trails immersed in nature.
During the stay, daily excursions will be organised in the Leventina Valley and Val Bedretto. The final routes will be selected according to snow and weather conditions, as well as the characteristics of the group.
The activity is designed for anyone who enjoys hiking in the mountains and would like to experience the winter landscape in close contact with nature.
Level
The camp is suitable for participants who are in good physical condition and accustomed to hiking in the mountains.
No specific snowshoeing experience is required, but participants should be able to undertake winter hikes lasting approximately 5–8 hours, with elevation gains of up to around 800–900 metres.
Föisc Hut
Starting from Brugnasco, the route climbs through snow-covered forests and alpine pastures to the Föisc Hut, located at approximately 2,200 m above sea level in the municipality of Quinto.
- Starting point: Brugnasco, approx. 1,380 m above sea level
- Destination: Föisc Hut, approx. 2,200 m above sea level
- Elevation gain: approx. +800–900 m
- Total duration: approx. 6–8 hours
- Difficulty: moderately easy; good physical condition is required
San Giacomo Pass
Starting from All’Acqua in Val Bedretto, the route follows the wide valley leading to the San Giacomo Pass, located at 2,313 m above sea level on the border between Switzerland and Italy.
- Starting point: All’Acqua, 1,613 m above sea level
- Destination: San Giacomo Pass, 2,313 m above sea level
- Elevation gain: approx. +700 m
- Total duration: approx. 5–6 hours
- Difficulty: moderate / WT2–WT3 (winter hiking scale); good physical condition is required
Lago delle Pigne
Starting from All’Acqua in Val Bedretto, the route climbs towards Alpe di Pesciora before continuing to the basin of Lago delle Pigne, located at 2,328 m above sea level.
- Starting point: All’Acqua, 1,613 m above sea level
- Destination: Lago delle Pigne, 2,328 m above sea level
- Elevation gain: approx. +700 m
- Total duration: approx. 5–6 hours
- Difficulty: moderate / WT2–WT3 (winter hiking scale); good physical condition is required
The final destinations will be selected according to weather and snow conditions, trail conditions and the characteristics of the group.
Personal equipment
Participants must bring appropriate sports clothing for the activity. We recommend dressing in layers.
Clothing
- Base layer: technical underwear (synthetic fibre or merino wool)
- Mid layer: fleece or insulated jacket
- Outer layer: waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (e.g. Gore-Tex)
- Snow gloves
- Neck warmer
- Headband/beanie
Other items
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Backpack
- Thermos and/or water bottle
- Towels
- Casual clothing for free time
- Board games
Any additional equipment required will be communicated before the camp.
Equipment provided by USI Sport
USI Sport provides snowshoes and poles for the activities.
Participation
The weekend will be confirmed with a minimum of 5 participants, with a maximum of 12 participants.
In case of unsuitable weather or terrain conditions, the programme may be modified. If the camp cannot be carried out safely and is cancelled by USI Sport, the amount paid will be fully refunded.
Accommodation and meals
Accommodation is provided at the Casa della Sostenibilità in Airolo, in shared rooms for 6 people, with shared bathrooms and private showers.
Breakfast and dinner are included and provided at the accommodation. Lunches are at the participants’ own expense.
Any food intolerances or allergies must be indicated at the time of registration.
Bed linen
To help us reduce our environmental impact, we recommend bringing your own bed linen set:
- pillowcase 50 × 70 cm;
- fitted sheet 80 × 200 cm;
- duvet cover 140 × 200 cm.
Sleeping bag liners and sleeping bags are not permitted.
Alternatively, a bed linen set can be rented at the Alpine Sports Base for CHF 15.–.
Transport
Travel to Airolo
USI Sport offers USI/SUPSI students and staff free train travel to Airolo and back, an environmentally friendly option that reduces the environmental impact and ensures a comfortable journey for everyone.
For all other participant categories, a special USI Sport train ticket is available at a cost of CHF 12.– per journey.
Airolo–Andermatt
If, during the camp, it is necessary to travel from Airolo to another location for the sports activities, USI Sport may organise the train journey according to predefined group travel times.
The flat-rate daily cost for the return journey is:
- CHF 10.– for participants with a Half Fare Travelcard;
- CHF 20.– for participants without a Half Fare Travelcard.
The option selected in the registration form will be used to organise and purchase the group tickets.
Participants who choose not to use the transport organised by USI Sport, or who wish to travel at different times from those scheduled, must organise their journey independently and purchase their own ticket.
Parking
There is no free parking in the immediate vicinity of the Casa della Sostenibilità.
The only free parking area is available at the following location.
Price
The price varies according to the participant category and the time of registration. By booking further in advance, participants can benefit from the most advantageous rate; as the weekend approaches, the intermediate and standard rates will progressively apply.
Included in the price
- accommodation at the Casa della Sostenibilità;
- half board, including breakfast and dinner;
- guidance during the activities;
- visits and activities included in the final programme;
- return train travel to Airolo, departing from a station in the Canton of Ticino, for USI/SUPSI students and staff.
Not included in the price
- lunches and snacks during the excursions;
- clothing and personal equipment;
- bed linen rental;
any optional entrance fees, services or transport not expressly indicated among the included services.
| Category | Early booking | Intermediate rate | Standard rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| USI/SUPSI students | CHF 76 | CHF 82 | CHF 88 |
| USI/SUPSI staff and faculty; students from other Swiss universities; City of Lugano employees; USI Alumni | CHF 100 | CHF 104 | CHF 114 |
| Accompanying persons and family members; SUPSI Alumn | CHF 114 | CHF 120 | CHF 126 |
Pricing deadlines
- Early booking: more than 5 months before the beginning of the weekend;
- Intermediate rate: between 5 and 3 months before the beginning of the weekend;
- Standard rate: less than 3 months before the beginning of the weekend.
When purchasing, participants must select the category corresponding to their profile. USI Sport reserves the right to request documentation confirming eligibility for the selected rate.
Registration and payment
Registration is confirmed once the applicable fee for the participant’s category and pricing period has been paid.
As the price increases progressively when the activity date approaches, we recommend registering early to benefit from the most advantageous rate.
Poiché il prezzo aumenta progressivamente con l’avvicinarsi della data dell’attività, consigliamo di iscriversi con anticipo per beneficiare della tariffa più conveniente.
By proceeding with the purchase, participants accept the USI Sport instructions and code of conduct available in the “Attachments” section.
Refund policy
- a 90% refund upon presentation of a medical certificate;
- an 80% refund for cancellations communicated at least 2 weeks before the beginning of the camp;
- a 50% refund for cancellations communicated between 2 weeks and 1 week before the beginning of the camp;
- no refund for cancellations communicated less than 1 week before the beginning of the camp or in the event of non-attendance.
To request a refund, participants must contact USI Sport, indicating the activity and the reason for cancellation. The applicable refund conditions will be determined according to the date on which the request is received.