Canyoning Ticino region - 7 Top Deals and Prices 2024

8 hotspots for canyoning in Ticino

Canyoning is a sport that is gaining more and more followers. Children aged 10-12 years are usually already allowed to participate if they can swim and are in good physical condition.

In Ticino there are many canyons and suitable gorges. You can find them in many places in Ticino. For example, the following villages belong to them:

• Iragna
• Lodrino or Cresciano in the municipality of Riviera
• Giornico in the Leventina
• Malvaglia and Pontirone in the Blenio Valley
• Gordevio, Corippo or Bignasco in Locarnese

Organized canyoning is offered everywhere. They take place between May and October and also in rainy weather. You should only go canyoning with the prescribed equipment. It should also be taken for granted that you are accompanied by certified experts, otherwise the sport could very quickly become dangerous for you.

We show you the possibilities at 8 hotspots for canyoning in Ticino with its beautiful and exciting valleys.

Canyoning in Val Grande (Maggia Valley)

The Val Grande is located in the Maggia Valley, which stretches from Lake Maggiore near Locarno and Ascona about 60 km to the north. Through the sunny Maggia Valley the river Maggia flows past rocks and traditional Ticino villages.

Among the most beautiful waterfalls in the Vallemaggia (Maggia Valley) are:

• the 100 m plunging Foroglio in Val Bavona
• the 60 m deep Cascata del Salto in Maggia (with swimming pool)
• the 25 m long "Little-Niagara" waterfall in Val Grande

The Val Grande is not far from Gordevio and is particularly suitable for canyoning beginners.

It consists in its central part of steep woods and rocks that surround a wild gorge. Canyoning is a popular activity in this gorge. Here, besides jumping and climbing possibilities, you can even find a 25 m long natural water slide. It is one of the longest in Ticino.

We recommend that you only go canyoning in Val Grande with a local and experienced canyoning guide. Canyoning tours in Val Grande are organized for beginners, families or advanced with a certified guide.

Canyoning in the Verzasca Valley

The Verzasca Valley stretches from the northeast of Lake Maggiore 25 km to the north. In the past it was difficult to reach and therefore it was able to preserve much of its original character. This makes the Versasca Valley all the more popular with sports enthusiasts who love wild nature.

The wild Corippo Gorge near Vogorno is very suitable for canyoning in the Verzasca Valley. It is also well suited for families and beginners if they take part in a guided canyoning in the Verzasca Valley.

In Vogorno, bungee jumping is also offered at the 220 m high reservoir. The Verzasca River flows through the Verzasca Valley. It is considered dangerous and difficult, but is popular among canoeists and divers. In contrast, the swimming spots around Lavertezzo are very shallow and popular and are even called the "Maldives of Switzerland".

Among the most beautiful waterfalls in the Verzasca Valley are:

• Cascata Froda in Sonogno
• Cascata di Val Moett in Gerra
• Cascata della Crosa in Lavizzara

Canyoning in Val di Vira

The Val di Vira is located at the southern part of the beautiful Lago di Maggiore near the Monte Gambarogno. Short canyon sections alternate with stream sections. They are often used for beginners' courses in canyoning. There are well-suited rappelling points, slides or jumps. These are about seven meters high.

The guided canyoning in Vira lasts about two hours. Children are allowed to participate from the age of 6. The canyon is accessible between May 1 and October 1.

Canyoning in Val d'Iragna

The Val d'Iragna belongs to the municipality of Riviera and borders the Verzasca Valley to the east. It is formed by the Riale d'Iragna flows through it. The gorge in Val d'Iragna is ideal for challenging canyoning. It is particularly narrow washed out and offers long natural water slides. Waterfalls up to 40 m high give additional challenge and fun. There is climbing, rappelling, sliding and swimming. Guided canyoning tours in Riviera are conducted daily between June and October.

Canyoning in Val di Lodrino

Canyoning in Val di Lodrino means adventure in a secluded side valley of the Riviera. It is located between Biasca and Bellinzona.

The Lodrino Valley has a canyon that is considered particularly beautiful and has several good abseils, slides and jumps. Narrow passages and deep pools between huge rocks bring additional excitement.

Daredevil slides surrounded by 200 m high granite rocks give a very special kick. Jumps from a height of 15 m and abseils from a height of 45 m also provide pure adrenaline. This canyon is suitable only for experienced canyonists.

At a 50 m rappelling point a waterfall suddenly comes out of the rock after the first third and showers the canyonists properly. Canyoning here takes about 6-7 hours. Guided canyoning tours through the Lodrino Gorge with certified canyoneer are offered from and to Riviera.

Canyoning in the Valle di Cresciano

The Valle di Cresciano is not visible from the Riviera because it is a so-called hanging valley. It is very worthwhile to visit this hidden valley. In it you can find the Boggera Gorge with breathtaking waterfalls and smooth channels. You will find both roaring and clear water here.

Especially the many natural slides are a destination point for canyonists. You can practice rappelling from a height of 25 meters. Children are allowed to participate in guided tours from the age of 6. Canyoning tours for beginners in Boggera Gorge are guided by professional canyoneers. The tours start and end in Riviera.

Canyoning in Valle di Cugnasco

Canyoning in Cugnasco Canyon is an adventure in the northeast of Lake Maggiore. The river Riale Riavena flows through the easily accessible canyon. The canyon consists of an upper and a lower part.

You will pass through beautiful pools and impressive waterfalls. The rappels here reach heights of about 30 m, and the slides are about 10 m long. Jumps are possible from a height of 10 m. Canyoning in the upper part of the canyon is suitable primarily for advanced canyoneers. The narrows here are particularly impressive.

However, the high jumps and slides do not have to be mastered on the way through the canyon. Thus, the lower part of the Cugnasco Canyon is also perfect for beginners and children under the guidance of a canyon guide.

Canyoning in Val Pontirone

At Canyoning in the Pontirone Gorge the 45 m high waterfall is a special highlight. There is also a free-hanging abseil point there. The Val Pontirone is located above Biasca and is a side valley of the Valle di Blenio.

The river Legiuna winds through the valley. The Pontirone gorge is well suited for sporty beginners as well as for advanced climbers. The access from Malvaglia is 13 km long on a very winding road.

As you can see, you will find endless possibilities for canyoning in Ticino. You experience a beautiful nature and can really let off steam. Waterfalls and pools offer the necessary cooling.