Val Formazza Beginner Tour

The day starts high above Ulrichen, where the cable car drops you straight into a sea of green slopes and easy-going paths. The mountains still feel friendly here, with wide views and soft terrain that lets you get used to the altitude. As you move deeper into the valley, Nufenenstock and its neighbours watch over the route, while small streams and patches of rock add just enough mountain spice.

From the mountain station a clear trail traverses across grassy hillsides, never too steep, winding in and out of shallow gullies. The path slowly gains about 500 metres in height, giving more and more views towards the Gries area and the reservoir below. The terrain stays mostly gentle, with a few rockier steps to keep things interesting, and plenty of spots to pause, breathe and look back over the wide Valais landscape.

Near the end the trail eases off and rolls over a last shoulder, revealing Capanna Corno Gries tucked on its open plateau. A short descent leads to the hut terrace, where you can drop your pack, grab a drink and let the late-afternoon light sweep over the surrounding ridges. It feels like a small island of comfort in the middle of high country, the perfect place to spend your first night out.

From the high plateau around Capanna Corno Gries the route feels more alpine yet still welcoming. A narrow path leads towards the Italian border, with wide views over Val Corno and surrounding peaks like Kleines Grieshorn. After crossing Passo di San Giacomo the landscape softens and the blue mirror of Lake Toggia pulls you in, with Rifugio Maria Luisa waiting nearby for a relaxed evening.

The walk begins with a traverse on small, sometimes airy paths above the valley. The track is never technical, but a steep drop beside the trail asks for steady feet and unhurried steps. Closer to the pass the terrain becomes broader and more forgiving, following gentle grassy slopes and old mule tracks. At Passo di San Giacomo you cross into Italy and suddenly the basin of Lake Toggia opens up below.

From the pass an easy descent winds down about 300 metres on comfortable tracks, passing streams and low rock walls. The path curls around the shore of Lake Toggia, giving plenty of excuses to pause for photos or a quick snack by the water. A final short rise leads to Rifugio Maria Luisa, tucked above the lake, where hot meals, cosy rooms and a friendly buzz of hikers round off the afternoon.