Val Bedretto in 4K (Ticino)

The Val Bedretto (Bedrettotal) in the northern Ticino extends from Airolo at the foot of the Gotthard Pass up to the Nufenen Pass, where it crosses into Valais. In the long valley between the Gotthard and the Cristallina massifs there is always lots of snow. In summer, the Bedrettotal is a varied area for hiking and mountain biking.

The Bedrettotal, the highest branch of the Leventina valley, is bounded to the north by the chain of the Gotthard massif with the Pizzo Rotondo and to the south by the Cristallina massif. For hundreds of years, there was only cattle farming in the unspoilt Bedrettotal, but because the villages are so high, the yields were poor, and the inhabitants of the valley were often obliged to seek work elsewhere. Today, however, they are returning, mostly thanks to holidaymakers and the Nufenen Pass into the valley, which was only opened in 1964.

Winter

In winter, the Bedrettotal is a paradise for touring skiers using skins or snow shoes. In the snow, too, the Cristallina is still the high point for prolonged excursions. In Airolo, skiers will find a skiing area with modern lifts and guaranteed snow. In Cioss Prato there is a small lift, while in Bedretto there is a centre for cross-country skiing (classic and skating). However, being far from the crowds of tourists, the Bedrettotal is ideal for long winter walks and snow-shoe excursions through the quiet snowy landscape.

Summer

In summer, the Bedrettotal is a varied hiking and mountain biking area. Two panoramic routes with impressive views of the Gotthard massif start near Airolo: the high-altitude path "Alto del Tremorgio" (along the valley of the Leventina) and the "Strada degli Alpi" (in the Bedrettotal). Both paths begin on the mountain of Pesciüm, which can be reached by cable-car from Airolo. The Strada degli Alpi is very highly rated by expert mountain bikers. 

The high point of a stay in the Bedrettotal is the wonderful hike along the classic route over the Cristallina Pass into the Bavona valley, through a magnificent but barren high alpine landscape, dominated by the Gotthard massif in the north, the Cristallina and the broad ridge of the Basodino.