Snow excursions: discovering the Leventina region
- Activity: Alpine Sports Base - Airolo
- Start date: 05 December 2025 / 18:00
- End date: 08 December 2025 / 18:00
- Location: Fuori sede
- Address: Airolo
- Course language:
- Italiano
- English
Three days dedicated to snowshoe excursions — an unmissable experience for winter nature and hiking enthusiasts.
Excursion 1: Foisch Hut
Starting from Brugnasco, this snowshoe hike will take you through snowy forests and alpine pastures up to the charming Föisc Hut. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and the peaceful, untouched atmosphere of the winter mountains — a unique experience immersed in nature, snow, and silence!
The Föisc Hut is located in the municipality of Quinto (Leventina Valley) at about 2,200 m a.s.l.
It is an unmanned hut with 8 beds, a wood/gas stove, and solar-powered lighting. The route starts in Brugnasco and climbs through forests and pastures up to the Föisc Hut (2,200 m) in the Canton of Ticino.
Technical details:
- Starting point: approx. 1,380 m a.s.l. (Brugnasco)
- Ascent: about +800–900 m
- Difficulty: PD (a little difficult) from Brugnasco
- Requirements: good physical condition
- Estimated total time: 6–8 hours
Excursion 2: San Giacomo Pass
Starting from All’Acqua (Val Bedretto), the snowshoe hike follows the wide valley leading to the picturesque San Giacomo Pass (2,313 m), on the border between Switzerland and Italy. The route crosses beautiful snowy landscapes, dominated by the peaks of Pizzo Lucendro and Pizzo Rotondo. The ascent is gradual and never too steep, making it perfect for those who want to experience an authentic mountain adventure immersed in the silence of winter.
Technical data:
- Starting point: All’Acqua (1,613 m a.s.l.)
- Destination: San Giacomo Pass (2,313 m a.s.l.)
- Elevation gain: approx. +700 m
- Total time: 5–6 hours (round trip)
- Difficulty: medium / WT2–WT3 (winter hiking scale)
- Requires good physical condition
Excursion 3: Lake Pigne
Starting from All’Acqua (Val Bedretto), this snowshoe hike leads to Lago delle Pigne, nestled in a stunning high-altitude landscape of gentle slopes and wide snowy expanses.The route initially follows the trail ascending toward Alpe di Pesciora, then continues toward the basin of the lake. In winter, the frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered peaks offers a peaceful and spectacular scene — a perfect place to take a break immersed in unspoiled nature.
Technical data:
- Starting point: All’Acqua (1,613 m a.s.l.)
- Destination: Lago delle Pigne (2,328 m a.s.l.)
- Elevation gain: approx. +700 m
- Total time: 5–6 hours (round trip)
- Difficulty: medium / WT2–WT3 (winter hiking scale)
Requires good physical condition
Depending on terrain and weather conditions, the program may be subject to changes.
Personal Equipment
Participants must come with sports clothing suitable for the activity.
We recommend dressing in layers for outdoor activities: more information will follow for participants.
Equipment provided by the Sports Service (daily fee of 20 CHF), to be paid directly on site:
- Snowshoes
- Poles
- Waterproof hiking boots
Accommodation and Meals
Accommodation at the Casa della Sostenibilità in Airolo, in shared rooms of 6 people.
Breakfast and dinner are included and will be organized on-site.
Please inform us of any food allergies or intolerances when registering.
Help us be more sustainable!
Bring your own bedding set (pillowcase 50×70 cm, mattress cover 80×200 cm, and duvet cover 140×200 cm).
Alternatively, a complete set can be rented on-site for CHF 15.
Transport
The Sports Service offers all participants train transportation to and from Airolo, an eco-friendly choice that reduces environmental impact and ensures a comfortable journey for everyone.
For organizational reasons, it is important to indicate your transportation choice at the time of registration.
Price
- USI/SUPSI students: 105 CHF
- USI/SUPSI staff and faculty, USI Alumni, students from other Swiss universities: 150 CHF
- Accompanying persons/family members, SUPSI Alumni: 195 CHF
At the time of purchase, the participant’s university card category (student, staff, or faculty) will be used as the official reference.
Registration and payment
By proceeding with the purchase, the user accepts the instructions and rules of conduct of the Sport Service, available in the section "Attachments".
Refund policy
- 100% refund upon presentation of a medical certificate
- 80% refund within 2 weeks of the camp
- 50% refund within 1 week of the camp
- No refund less than one week before the camp, as in the case of non-attendance
- If the Sports Service cancels the camp due to bad weather or organizational reasons, participants will receive a full refund of the amount paid.
To proceed with your refund request, please contact the Sport Service by email, indicating the event and the reason for cancellation. Refund conditions will apply based on the date of the request.