Walking on the Peaks

In the opening episode, Romolo Nottaris and Aramis Dozio embark on their first ascent of Sosto, often referred to as the "Matterhorn of the Blenio Valley." The narrative introduces the eight young protagonists of the trek, as well as the mountain guide Marie Hiroz and the challenging route that lies ahead.

Setting off at dawn from Vacarèsc, we embark on an adventure along the ridges of the Via Alta Carassina. The journey begins with an immediate and challenging introduction, navigating ups and downs along the exposed slopes of the ridge, expertly equipped with brackets and chains by the CAS Ticino.

We begin our ascent from the Adula CAS hut in the early morning, enjoying the scenic beauty as we leave the Via Alta Carassina behind. After crossing a captivating glacier, we reach the summit of Adula, the highest peak in Ticino. The descent awaits, but mountain weather can be unpredictable.

Poor visibility, strong winds, and a lack of communication with guide Giovanni Galli, who went to inspect Länta glacier crevasses, raise concerns. This prompts Marie Hiroz to take charge at this critical moment.

The group took a break in the hut due to bad weather, which turned out to be beneficial. However, waking up is chilly and damp. The rain persists, and the snow has covered the peaks in white. The team then divides, aiming to reach the summit and descend to Zapporthütte hut in smaller groups.

Despite still having damp capes and shoes, we continue our journey toward the San Bernardino Pass. The rain persists, but spirits remain high. Some brave individuals take a swim in Moesola lake, while Romolo and Marie captivate young walkers with stories about the mountain guide profession.

Now on the Via Alta Calanca: starting from San Bernardino Pass Hospice, we ascend toward the highest refuge on our route, situated in Pian Grand at 2,398 meters above sea level. This stage proves to be quite challenging, surrounded by stunning landscapes, difficulties, and unexpected events.

Facing a persistent icy wind, the group tackles the longest stretch of the entire journey. Amid majestic ridges and beautiful lakes, we tread carefully and reach the splendid Buffalora hut. As night falls, Romulus shares captivating tales of his Himalayan experiences.

We tackle the scenic route to the final refuge of the Via Alta Calanca, the Alp de Fora. Amid narrow paths, ledges, and snowfields, the breathtaking landscapes and majestic peaks capture our admiration. Upon reaching the destination, a surprise from the sky awaits to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Romulus's first ascent of an "8,000" peak.

Embarking on a journey from Graubünden to Ticino, traverse the Monti di Laura ridge on a sunny day with breathtaking views. Ascend Corno del Gesero and descend amidst rhododendrons and blueberries to reach a new hut. Experience a warm welcome and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Under clear skies and bright sunshine, we cover a lengthy 18 km stretch entirely along the ridge. Border stumps guide our path from Gesero to San Lucio, showcasing magnificent landscapes where Switzerland and Italy compete for attention. Whether looking right or left, one can uncover lakes and peaks, witness amazing colors, and experience unique emotions.

In the second-to-last stage, the focus is on the captivating Mediterranean landscape with limestone rocks and flourishing nature. Unbeknownst to the boys, Romulus has a surprise waiting for them, revealing both his secret and his elegant unveiling.

The final leg of our ridge journey leads us to Lake Ceresio, the Gulf of Lugano, and Mendrisiotto. The view is captivating, and emotions flow as we reach the conclusion of this extraordinary adventure.