Wild Leventina: Capanna Leìt and Campo Tencia (T3, 20 km, +1500m/-1600m)

🏞️ Hike Summary
We’ll venture into the high valleys of upper Leventina on an alpine loop with lakes, ridges, and sweeping views. Starting in Dalpe, we’ll make a steady climb up to Capanna Leìt, where we’ll pause for a break. From there we continue to Capanna Campo Tencia before descending through the Val Piumogna towards Pianaselva, where a cable car takes us down to Faido. Expect a full-day hike on varied terrain, with opportunities to stop at two huts along the way and the wonderful Leìt Lake.

🥾 Hike Data

• SAC rating: T3 (alpine trail)
• Distance: ~20 km
• Elevation gain/loss: +1500 m / -1600 m
• Max altitude: ~2250 m
• Estimated hiking time: 8 hours
• Start: Dalpe (bus)
• End: Faido, via Pianaselva cable car
• Map & route on SchweizMobil

🚆 Travel Schedule
Meeting point: At the beginning of Platform 6 in Zürich HB. Check the group chat (or here) to know where we find seats in the train.

From Zürich HB:

• IC 46 to Locarno at 06:05 (Platform 6), getting off in Ambrì-Piotta
• Bus 117 from Ambrì-Piotta at 08:31, arriving in Dalpe at 08:52

Cost: ~27 CHF with Half Fare Card

Return from Faido:

• Cable car Pianaselva → Faido around 19:05
• Walk (~20 min) to Faido train station
• IR 46 to Zürich HB at 19:39, arriving 21:55

Cost: ~25 CHF with Half Fare Card + 10 CHF (cash/Twint only) for the cable car

Note: The cable car runs until 20:00, but we’ll aim for the 19:39 train. Depending on the group's hiking speed and feeling, we could aim for the earlier train at 18:39.

🌤️ Weather Forecasts
As of now, Sunday looks like a stable and sunny day, but we should expect some clouds and a light wind. At the lake's elevation (~2200 m), expect a temperature below the seasonal average around 10°.

🎒 What to Bring
This hike is suited for people with some previous experience on mountain hiking trails. If unsure, ping me in the group chat.

• At least 2.0L of water (possible refill at Capanna Leìt)
• Snacks and lunch (or hut food at Capanna Leìt / Campo Tencia)
• Rain jacket and warm layer (recommended!)
• Proper hiking shoes (boots or sturdy trail runners)
• Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Optional: cash/card for hut food (Capanna Leìt accepts all cards, but no Twint)

💬 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.