Scopi

Scopi (Romansh: Piz Scopi) is a 3,190 m summit in the municipality of Medel (Lucmagn), in the Surselva region of Graubünden. It rises above the Lukmanier Pass exactly on the line between Graubünden and Ticino, in the Lepontine Alps. Its parent peak is Piz Medel, and the Italian border lies not far away.

What is Scopi, and why go?

The mountain belongs to the Adula subgroup and looms over the Lai da Sontga Maria reservoir at the pass. It is one of the 3,000-metre summits you can reach without climbing gear, starting from the road at roughly 1,915 m. The top is occupied by a Swiss Army installation: a Florako radar and an air traffic control building. A military cable car serves it from the road below the dam, but it is closed to the public.

How do you get to Scopi?

Drive to the Lukmanier Pass (Passo del Lucomagno), which links Graubünden with the Blenio valley in Ticino. The road crosses the pass from both sides and there is parking nearby. A marked trail leads up from the area around Lai da Sontga Maria, and there are no climbing restrictions.

Which route should you take?

• Normal route: from the pass along the west ridge. Traces of a path appear in places. It is graded L (F), equivalent to T5 on the mountain-trail scale, so it suits people used to rocky, rubble-strewn terrain.
• South ridge: starts at Passo di Gana Negra (2,463 m), goes over Pizzo del Corvo (3,015 m) and on to Scopi. Rated WS (PD), it is a scenic but more demanding line.
• Winter: a ski-touring variant runs from the Capanna Bovarina hut over Passo Casatscha from the east, best in March and April.

When should you go?

Hiking routes are open in summer and early autumn, once the ridges are clear of snow. In spring the mountain belongs to ski tourers. The pass is high and the weather changes fast, so start early in the day.

Where can you stay?

Accommodation right below the peak is limited. Options include a hotel at the pass or a bivouac nearby. The Capanna Cadlimo hut (2,570 m) is also in the area, about a 3.5-hour walk from the pass.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Scopi?

3,190 m above sea level, on the border between the cantons of Graubünden and Ticino.

Is Scopi a technical climb?

The normal route from Lukmanier Pass follows a trail and then a ridge with no real climbing, but it is graded T5, so you need sure footing and good route-finding.

Can you ride to the summit?

No. The military cable car runs from the road below the dam to the top, but the public cannot use it.

Where is the best starting point?

The Lukmanier Pass near Lai da Sontga Maria, at around 1,915 m.