Cadlimo Hut Loop (T2/T3, 18.5 km, +1018 m)

🏞️ Hike Summary
Join for an alpine loop to the Cadlimo Hut, nestled on the watershed between the North Sea and the Mediterranean. This route leads through a landscape of rocky trails, alpine lakes, and the Cadlimo Passage—the highest point at 2560 m. We’ll pass six different mountain lakes, summit views of the Gotthard massif, and potentially catch sight of ibexes watching us. The hut is a well-known SAC refuge with rustic charm, great food, and even a slackline challenge across the lake.

🥾 Hike Data

• SAC difficulty: T2/T3 (short section through the Cadlimo Passage)
• Distance: 18.5 km
• Elevation: +1018 m / -1021 m
• Max altitude: 2560 m
• Estimated hiking time: 6 hours
• Start & End: Piora (funicular)
• Route map on SchweizMobil

🚆 Travel Schedule

From Zürich HB:

• Meeting point: beginning of platform 5 at 6:50
• IC 2 to Lugano, 07:05 (change in Arth-Goldau at 07:45)
• IR 26 to Airolo at 07:54 (arrives 09:01)
• Bus 117 to Piotta (Funicolare) at 09:34
• Funicular ride to Piora at 09:50

Return from Piora:

• Funicular down at 17:50
• Bus 117 to Airolo at 18:35 (arrives 18:42)
• IR 26 at 18:57 to Arth-Goldau (arrives 20:07)
• IC 2 at 20:15 to Zürich HB (arrives 20:55)

Note: The funicular requires a separate return ticket (CHF 25), with a 20% discount for Half Fare/GA (more details here).

‼️ README
The loop route won't leave us much time to stop at the lake for a break (or swim). There are two options, and we can decide as a group by Friday afternoon (please, RSVP and join the group chat to discuss):

1. Hike the same route up and down instead of a loop (16 km in total)
2. Take the earlier train leaving Zürich at 6:05 (same schedule)

Both options would leave us ~30' at the hut and the same time to spend at the lake. We should be on time for the funicular ride at 17:50.

🌤️ Weather Forecasts
It's likely going to be a sunny day, a few clouds are expected. Only a low chance of precipitation, more likely in the late afternoon. At the highest point, temperatures as high as 11-12 °C are foreseen. Expect a light breeze (7 to 12 km/h).

🎒 What to Bring

• Rain or wind jacket, plus light fleece if you feel like it (highest point is well above 2'000 m)
• Proper hiking footwear (boots or trail runners)
• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
• Swim gear (optional dip in a mountain lake, if time/route allows)
• Food for the day (optional: have lunch at the mountain hut)
• At least 2L of water (potential options to refill along the trail)

💬 Where to Discuss
For quick updates and questions, you can join the group chat.

⚠️ Disclaimer
This is not a guided or professionally led tour. Everyone joins at their own risk. Please evaluate your fitness level honestly and come prepared as if you were hiking alone.