Cima de Gagela

Cima de Gagela is a 2,805 m summit in the Lepontine Alps of Graubünden, Switzerland, rising above the Mesolcina valley near Soazza. It is the highest point of the ridge south of the Pass di Passit, and a quiet objective for walkers who want high country without the crowds of the famous Swiss four-thousanders.

Where is Cima de Gagela?

The peak sits on the divide between two valleys: Val Calanca to the east and the Mesolcina to the west. It stands roughly halfway between the villages of Rossa in Calanca and Mesocco in the Mesolcina, at about 46.38° N, 9.17° E. This is the Italian-speaking south of Graubünden, a landscape of steep slopes, alpine pastures and small glacial lakes.

How do you get there?

The practical base is Rifugio Ganan, a small mountain hut on the Calanca Alpine Trail, a high-level route running through Val Calanca. The official Graubünden tourism page lists the summit as an optional climb from the hut, a short scramble of 2 to 3 hours. The hut itself is about 5.5 hours from Rossa, via the lake Lagh de Calvaresc and the summit of Piz Ganan. Expect a proper mountain day: this is not a signed tourist promenade, and the hut needs to be booked in advance.

What will you see?

From the ridge you look into both valleys at once, the deeply cut Val Calanca and the Mesolcina, with more Lepontine summits beyond. On the way you pass Lagh de Calvaresc, one of the better-known lakes in this part of Calanca, and the high pastures of Alp Calvarec. The area is wild and has almost no infrastructure beyond the hut.

When should you go?

At this altitude the trails are normally clear of snow from around late June to September. Check the forecast and trail conditions before setting out. Weather matters here: the tourism page warns against descending straight to Rossa in poor conditions, because that route is hard to find and very dangerous. Follow the Piz Ganan trail to Alp Calvarec Desora instead and come down via Alp Calvarec Sot.

What else should you plan?

Soazza and Mesocco make good bases in the Mesolcina. The valley lies on the approach to the San Bernardino Pass, so access from the north or from Bellinzona is straightforward. If you are planning a multi-day trek, Cima de Gagela combines well with other stages of the Calanca Alpine Trail.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Cima de Gagela?

Wikipedia gives 2,805 m above sea level. Some hiking sites list 2,802 m, so small differences depend on the measurement source.

Which range is it in?

The Lepontine Alps, in the canton of Graubünden, between Val Calanca and the Mesolcina.

Do you need climbing gear?

Descriptions call it a short climb of 2 to 3 hours from Ganan hut, so sturdy boots and experience on high mountain terrain are what you need.

Where can you stay?

At Rifugio Ganan with an advance booking, or in valley villages such as Rossa, Mesocco and Soazza.