Ascona-Locarno is a real paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its lake, rivers, mountains, breathtaking hills and wide plains. With over 2,300 hours of sunshine a year and a mild climate, the region is ideal for outdoor adventures, offering a wide range of activities that include nature’s elements such as water, earth, and sky.
For MTB lovers, the region offers itineraries ranging from passionately crafted mountain trails to lakeside paths lined with palm trees, perfect for both experts and amateurs. The two official MTB trails of the region exemplify this variety: the Alta Verzasca Bike Trail is an easy, short route that winds mainly along the Verzasca River, offering enchanting wild and natural landscapes. The Cardada Bike Trail is more challenging but equally visually stunning, with breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore and the entire surrounding region.
There is nothing lacking for hikers either: the 1,400 km of hiking trails offer a myriad of itineraries for every taste, allowing you to discover new places, draw strength from nature and get to know your limits. This combination captures the pulse of the time. Our region has the right characteristics to offer trail runners what they are looking for. The morphology of the area is also particularly popular for trail runners, and it is not surprising that Salomon has taken notice. This autumn, the finals of the Golden Trail Series, the world’s most prestigious trail running race, will be held at Cardada, the mountain above Locarno.
Over four days, from 17 to 20 October 2024, elite runners from around the globe will be joined by amateurs to conquer the most scenic trails amidst Cardada’s breathtaking natural landscape.
Another activity that has become popular in the region of Lake Maggiore is climbing. Lake Maggiore is a huge playground where you can let off steam all year round. The rugged rock walls and enormous boulders in the Ascona-Locarno region captivate climbers and boulderers from across the globe, who are drawn not only by their passion for the sport but also by the stunning landscapes and pleasant climate of Switzerland’s southern canton.
The region’s unique rock quality is a significant draw. The exceptional climbing lines, the wide variety of challenges, and the favorable climate make Lake Maggiore an interesting destination for climbing and bouldering.
