Rosso di Ribia

Rosso di Ribia is a summit in the Lepontine Alps rising above Piano di Campo in the Swiss canton of Ticino. It stands at about 2,547 m above sea level (some maps list 2,541 to 2,546 m) and is the highest point of the ridge dividing the Valle di Campo from the Valle di Vergeletto.

Where is Rosso di Ribia?

The mountain sits in the south-west of Ticino, between the Onsernone and Vallemaggia areas, close to the Italian border. The frontier runs roughly five kilometres to the west, near Pizzo di Porcarese. The Valle di Campo lies on one side of the peak, and the slopes fall away to the Valle di Vergeletto on the other. The main pass nearby, Passo della Cavegna, is at 1,978 m.

What will you see?

Expect classic high-mountain terrain: steep wooded slopes lower down, then pastures, rocky gullies and small lakes. Hikers crossing the pass go by Lago del Pezz, with Rosso di Ribia towering on the left. From the ridge you look down into both valleys and across the neighbouring Lepontine summits.

How do you reach the area?

The usual approach starts in Vergeletto. The path climbs in switchbacks through forest to Alpe di Pianaccio (1,587 m), then follows the Ri di Ribia stream up to Capanna Ribia. The first section gains about 907 m in roughly 2 h 45 min, and the full walk to the Ribia alp takes around 3 h 40 min. It is graded T2 on the Swiss hiking scale: a demanding mountain walk, but not a technical climb. From the Valle di Campo side, stage 13 of the Via Alta Vallemaggia links Cimalmotto with Capanna Ribia and crosses the ridge over Passo della Cavegna.

Where can you stay?

Capanna Ribia stands at 1,996 m. It is an unstaffed hut with beds for twelve, linked to the Italian alpine club CAI Luino. It makes a practical base for both an overnight stop and the climb to the summit. An enlargement with more beds has been discussed, so check ticino.ch for current details before you go.

When should you go?

Summer and early autumn are best, when the trails are clear of snow. Out of season, lingering snow and short days make the approach harder, and the upper sections call for mountain experience.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Rosso di Ribia?

The accepted figure is 2,547 m. A few sources give values several metres lower because of different surveys.

Where is the easiest place to start?

In Vergeletto, following the trail via Alpe di Pianaccio to Capanna Ribia. The alternative is the route from the Valle di Campo side.

Is there a hut?

Yes, Capanna Ribia at 1,996 m. It is unstaffed and sleeps twelve.

Is it a difficult hike?

The approach to the hut is rated T2: a mountain trail with no climbing, but with substantial elevation gain. Good fitness and trekking boots are needed.