Capanna Piansecco

The Piansecco hut lies at 1988 m at the southern foot of Pizzo Rotondo above the Nufenen Pass road in Val Bedretto in the municipality of Bedretto. It belongs to the Bellinzona section of the Swiss Alpine Club and stands on a moraine at the edge of a sparse larch and Swiss stone pine forest. The short ascent makes it particularly popular with families and it is located directly on the Four Springs Trail and the Bedretto High Trail between the Gotthard and Nufenen Passes. It is usually open in summer from around the end of June to the beginning of October and in winter from around March to the end of April; a simple winter room is available during the rest of the year. The hut serves simple, hearty cuisine and typical Ticino dishes, such as polenta with ragout, stews and homemade cakes, accompanied by a glass of regional wine. Many hikers stop off for refreshments during the day, while others enjoy a multi-course half-board menu in the evening in the cozy lounge with wood-burning stove. The normal route begins at the hamlet of All'Acqua on the Nufenen Pass road. From there, a well-marked mountain trail leads through the forest and over open slopes to the hut in around 1 hour at an altitude of around 370 meters. Alternative approaches from Alpe Cruina or Bedretto are slightly longer but also marked. All'Acqua and Alpe Cruina can be reached both by car and by public transport. The hut serves as a starting point for numerous excursions: The short detour to Laghetto delle Pigne, ski and snowshoe tours as well as summit tours on Pizzo Rotondo and Chüebodenhorn are popular. Climbers will find a family-friendly climbing garden near the hut and more challenging granite climbing on Poncione di Ruino. As always in the mountains, visitors should carefully check current conditions, any closures and the weather forecast before setting off.