Corona di Pinz

Corona di Pinz (Italian: Corona dei Pinci) is a mountain summit and viewpoint above Ronco sopra Ascona, in the Swiss canton of Ticino. It rises to roughly 1,300 m above the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, with chestnut-covered slopes falling away toward the water. It suits walkers who want a proper mountain day with a Mediterranean-feeling lakeside start.

What can you see from the top?

The outlook takes in Lake Maggiore, the Maggia delta, the Locarno and Ascona area, and the ranges of the Ticino and Lugano Alps. On the way up you pass through chestnut woods and higher pastures, so a single outing goes from lakeside villas to a true alpine setting.

How do you get to Corona di Pinz?

The classic loop starts in Ronco sopra Ascona. It opens with a steep staircase between villas and gardens, then enters chestnut forest and passes the hamlets of Non, Parcassone and Porera. The Ronco – Corona di Pinz – Ronco circuit is about 11 km and takes around 5 hours, marked in red and white. It is demanding: bring sturdy boots, ideally poles, plenty of food and water, and allow generous time.

An alternative starts at Rasa (reached by cable car from Verdasio), runs past Pizzo Leone and descends to Ronco. Swiss Hiking Trails rates it T2, at about 11.3 km and just over four hours, with a season from April to October.

Ronco sopra Ascona is a bus ride of about 25 minutes from Locarno. From the village you can continue up to Corona dei Pinci or to the Al Legn hut, where overnight stays are possible.

When should you go?

Trails are mainly walkable from April to October. Check conditions first: Ascona-Locarno Tourism notes that the classic loop from Ronco crosses an inaccessible section and may be closed, so confirm the current status before setting out. Published summit heights vary between about 1,290 and 1,310 m, depending on the measuring point.

What else is nearby?

Ronco sopra Ascona is one of the prettiest villages on the lake, and Ascona with the Monte Verità area lies close by. Cyclists ride from there through Ronco to Monti di Ronco, where the approach to Corona dei Pinci begins.

Frequently asked questions

Is Corona di Pinz the same as Corona dei Pinci? Yes. Di Pinz is the local dialect form of the name, and Corona dei Pinci is the Italian version.

How long does the hike from Ronco sopra Ascona take? The full loop takes about 5 hours and covers around 11 km, most of it spent on the climb.

Is the route difficult? Yes, it has steep sections and a lot of ascent, so it needs good fitness. The Rasa variant is rated T2.

How do you reach Ronco sopra Ascona? By bus from Locarno; the ride takes about 25 minutes.