The Ascona-Locarno region is one of the world's leading destinations for bouldering and climbing. With a variety of incredible spots and breathtaking scenery, it offers ideal conditions for climbers of all standards. If you want to test your limits on a challenging boulder or enjoy a climb with views of Lake Maggiore, you’ll find dream walls and boulders for a unique experience that combines rock, nature and adrenaline.
Brione Verzasca is an iconic place for bouldering, popular with climbers the world over. Thanks to the quality of the rock, the variety of the routes and the breathtaking landscape, it is considered one of the top international locations for bouldering. With more than 700 routes of varying difficulty from 3 to 8c, the area offers unique challenges, perfect for honing your technique and pushing your limits.
The ideal time to visit Brione Verzasca is the spring and autumn, when the cool climate allows for optimum grip conditions. Even when the weather is warmer, there are plenty of boulders in shady woodland, particularly pleasant during the summer. Others directly overlook the Verzasca river, with emerald green waters that are perfect for a refreshing dip after an intense day of bouldering. Here, among the green woodland and babble of the river, is where you’ll find legendary boulders such as Molonk and Real Pamplemousse, favourites as far as Ascona-Locarno ambassador Petra Klingler is concerned.
After a morning on Brione Verzasca’s boulders, spend your afternoon in Balladrüm, a climbing area that boasts spectacular rock faces and routes of varying difficulty. Located near Locarno, it’s ideal for rock climbing enthusiasts, with walls of varying inclines and lengths. The area is well-situated for families and those new to climbing, also offering the opportunity to follow courses. The Panoramico sector features routes ranging from 3a to 6a, while the Lusertol sector has routes from 5b to 8a. The combination of challenge plus views makes Balladrüm a must-do for anyone with a passion for vertical adventures.
Petra Klingler, one of Switzerland’s most successful female climbers, is an Ascona-Locarno climbing ambassador. Two-time world champion (bouldering in 2016 and ice climbing in 2022), Petra has close ties to the region, where she took her first steps in the world of climbing. Today, despite having retired from competition, she continues to dedicate herself to her passion for bouldering, with ambitious projects such as La Brionesque (8a) in Brione Verzasca.
Thanks to its mild climate, Ascona-Locarno is the perfect destination for bouldering and climbing in autumn and winter, when many international athletes come here to train. In addition to the well-known spots of Brione Verzasca and Balladrüm, the region also offers other high-quality crags and routes, such as Schattenjagd in Ponte Brolla and the beautiful Mognola Rock Climbing during the summer months. As well as climbing and bouldering, the area offers an all-round experience, with plenty of outdoor activities, breathtaking landscape, excellent infrastructure with numerous services and, of course, delicious local food.
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