Bosco Gurin: The Highest Village in Ticino

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The village offers great winter sports for all skill levels. You can enjoy skiing near Locarno at Bosco Gurin resort this season. A daily ski pass costs around 45 CHF for adults. The slopes are open from December through March.

Walk through the narrow streets to feel the local history. Visit the Museum Walserhaus to learn about the village roots. It opens on weekends during the winter months. Admission for adults is usually 7 CHF.

You can reach Bosco Gurin by bus from Locarno station. The journey takes about 75 minutes through beautiful valleys. Check the Ascona-Locarno Tourism site for current bus schedules. Parking is also available for those who prefer driving.

Sonogno: A Stone Gem in Verzasca Valley

Sonogno marks the end of the famous Verzasca Valley. It features well-preserved stone houses and narrow paved alleys. This village feels like a living museum of Swiss history. It is a top choice for Verzasca Valley winter sights.

Visit the local craft shop to see traditional wool weaving. The Pro Verzasca shop sells handmade scarves and sweaters. These items make perfect gifts for your family back home. Prices for small crafts start around 20 CHF.

The Froda waterfall is just a short walk from the center. The path remains accessible even during the colder winter months. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the frozen falls. Wear sturdy boots to handle the icy patches on the trail.

Dining in Sonogno is a cozy and warm experience. Try traditional polenta at a local grotto near the square. Most restaurants open for lunch from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Expect to pay 25 CHF for a hearty meal.

Intragna: Gateway to the Centovalli

Intragna is famous for having the tallest bell tower in Ticino. The tower stands at 65 meters high in the village center. You can climb the stairs for a small fee of 5 CHF. The views of the surrounding mountains are truly spectacular.

The village serves as a main stop for scenic train rides. Take the Centovalli railway winter scenic train ride to get here. The train leaves Locarno every hour during the day. A return ticket costs roughly 15 CHF for adults.

Explore the regional museum located inside a historic building. It showcases the hard life of past mountain residents. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday in the afternoon. Entry is free for children under 12 years old.

Walk across the Roman bridge located just outside the village. This stone bridge spans the Melezza river with a high arch. It is a great spot for winter photography in 2026. The walk from the station takes only 15 minutes.

Mogno: Modern Art in the High Mountains

Mogno is a tiny village located deep in the Maggia Valley. It became famous for its unique mountain church. Architect Mario Botta designed this striking black and white building. It replaced an older church destroyed by an avalanche.

The church uses layers of local marble and granite stone. Sunlight streams through the glass roof during the day. It creates a peaceful atmosphere for all visitors to enjoy. Entry to the church is free for everyone.

The village sits at an altitude of 1,180 meters. It offers a quiet escape from the busier lakeside towns. You can find several hiking trails starting near the church. Always check the snow conditions before heading out on trails.

Getting to Mogno requires a car or a postal bus. The drive from Locarno takes about one hour each way. Parking is available near the village entrance for a small fee. Bus services are less frequent during the winter season.

Mergoscia: The Balcony of Lake Maggiore

Mergoscia sits on a sunny slope above the Verzasca dam. It is known for its incredible views of the lake. The village enjoys more sunshine than many other mountain spots. This makes it a pleasant winter destination for hikers.

The village church features beautiful frescoes from the middle ages. You can explore the quiet streets and see traditional stone barns. Many of these barns are now cozy holiday homes. The atmosphere is very calm and relaxing for guests.

Start your hike to the Verzasca dam from this village. The trail descends through chestnut forests and old stone walls. It takes about 90 minutes to reach the famous dam. The path can be slippery after a fresh snowfall.

Mergoscia is reachable by bus number 312 from Locarno. The winding road offers great views of the valley below. Buses run every two hours during the winter months. A one-way ticket costs about 6 CHF.