Alpe del Corno

A short route that lets you admire the views of the Muggio Valley and tackle one of the most technical descents in the area: the Alpe del Corno trail (difficulty S2 up to the alpe of the same name, then S3).

Given the difficulty, please note that the descent requires adequate technical skills and is therefore not recommended for everyone! In any case, an alternative route with a technically easier descent is also described, which still allows you to complete the loop.

The route starts in Cabbio (convenient free parking on the left when approaching from the valley floor) and follows the road toward Passo Bonello. At the start, you’ll tackle some steep paved inclines (12–14% gradient), then the road becomes a dirt track, and after crossing the ford and reaching the opposite side, the gradient eases (5–6%) until you first reach the alp and then the Bonello Pass. From here, take a long traverse leading to a fork with a bench near the Dosso d’Arla: as you climb, beautiful views gradually open up of Monte Generoso, Monte Bisbino, Sasso Gordona, and all the way to Monte Rosa.

Alpe Bonello and the summit of Monte Generoso

Alternative route for those who prefer a less technical descent: from the bench, follow the signs for Cabbio, descending along the Dosso d’Arla trail (not marked on the map): the first part includes some challenging sections over rocks and roots (S2), while the second half is easy and fast (S1).

Dosso d’Arla (start of the alternative route with an easier descent)

The route continues by turning left along a section of ups and downs along the hillside, initially easy, then with some challenging sections—including on rock—until, after crossing into Italy, it reaches the Prabello mountain hut. Here, a beautiful panorama opens up over the Val d’Intelvi and the surrounding Prealps.

View from the Prabello refuge: Pizzo della Croce and the Val d’Intelvi

Sasso Gordona (the traverse you’ll need to follow is visible along the ridge)

Leaving the refuge, you’ll follow a traverse that passes beneath the slopes of the rocky Sasso Gordona. This up-and-down section is exposed (with steep meadows below, though nothing extreme) and features a few challenging passages. You’ll soon reach a ridge from which the descent to Alpe del Corno begins: at first, the trail is fairly smooth and presents no major difficulties, but after passing the border fence marking your return to Swiss territory, it becomes more technical. You’ll pass the farmhouses of the Alpe del Corno and reach the final section, which is steep, with many tight switchbacks—often carved into the rock—and several technical sections, all of which are short and easily navigable by dismounting from your mountain bike if necessary. Just before reaching a fork with yellow trail markers, take a side trail on the right that leads directly to the path toward Uggine, avoiding the climb back up. Ride a short stretch along the hillside to a ford across a stream; from here, a short stretch of carrying your bike leads first to a dirt road and then, after passing the small village of Uggine, to a paved road that leads back to Cabbio.

Alternatively, at the fork with the yellow signposts, you can continue left toward the valley floor until you reach the bridge over the Breggia stream; from there, return to Bruzella by following the Crotta Valley.

Route completed on April 10, 2025, on a mountain bike.