Being surrounded on three sides by high mountain groups of Western Alps, Ticino (Tessin in German) has a few higher peaks only on its northern part. Cristallina is a very popular peak, being often climbed because of its magnificent panorama.

Besides the mountaineering part another attraction of Ticino are its beautiful valleys with clear waters, picturesque villages and in southern parts also big lakes.

The route to Cristallina peak is not marked (marked are routes to its very base), but you can follow stone marks and trails. The ascent is more straining that really dangerous. It requires climbing only if you find yourself off the trail. In upper part the mountain is very crumbly. Anyway crossing the Cristallina (east ascent - north-west descent or vice versa) is one of the most beautiful tours in Ticino.

In winter and summer Cristallina also offers good possibilities for ski tours.

Getting There

The map of Cristallina and its routes

From the south you can drive through Valle Maggia and Val Lavizzara to Fusio, the last village, then through Val Sambuco to Lago del Naret, 2310m. Ascents from val Bedretto (north of Cristallina) are longer. The third option is from San Carlo, the last village in Val Bavona with the cable-car to Robiei.

Cristallina from Lago del Naret

Three approaches are recommended:

1. From the East. Lago del Naret (2310m) - Passo del Sasso Nero (2420m) - East Ridge - top. 3h.

2. From Robiei (1965m) - Passo Cristallina (2438m) - NW slope - top. 3h.

3. From the North-West. Capanna Cristallina (2575m), accessible from Lago del Naret over Passo del Naret (2438m) or from Val Torta - Passo Cristallina - NW slope - top. 3h.

The new Cristallina hut was apparently opened in 2002. This is the old and new website.

For orienting you can use Landeskarte der Schweiz 1:50000.

See online a good map in any resolution on Swissgeo.

Summit panorama

Cristallina is one of most panoramic mountains in Tessin/Ticino. Pictures below are just examples to prove this statement.

Central Alps on the other side of Rhone valley.

Red Tape

No permits are required.

When To Climb

Cristallina can be climbed any time of the year, although it is most popular during summer and fall. In good conditions and with winter equipment also winter ascent would mean no big problem, but then, you would of course have no car on 2310m.

Camping

Capanna Cristallina, (2349m), open from June to October, Tel.: 0 91/8 69 23 30; This huge hut has been opened two years ago. It is one of the biggest and most luxurious huts in Switzerland.

Remark: The old Capanna Cristallina was destroyed by an avalanche, so temporarily in summer another hut nearby was used as a mountain hut.

Albergo Robiei (1900m), open June to October, Tel.: 0 91/7 56 50 20.

Keyser Soze: When I climbed the summit in 1997, there was also a little shelter right on top (Rifugio Ossasco), probably originally constructed by the Swiss army.

Mountain Conditions

Vallemaggia Turismo, CH-6673 Maggia; Tel.: 0 91/7 53 18 85. Internet: www.vallemaggia.ch .

Images



[ View Gallery - 17 More Images ]