TICINO TOUR
Ticino, Switzerland
Advanced
- 4 days of epic canyoning, descending the best canyons in the Alps.
- All equipment, in-country transport and transfers.
- Local Swiss Style accommodation, fully catered and restaurant meals.
- Two expert guides; Ben Case and George Yates
- Final day Heli canyoning trip.
Key Information
£2195 per person
24-29 sept 23
spaces left - 1
min 4 - max 6
min age - 18
free photos
This is a tour we have wanted to run for years, so we have taken our time to make sure it is now perfect. Ticino is a county in Switzerland, based in the heart of the alps, the area is mostly Italian speaking, as Ticino is on the border of Italy. We will spend 4 days canyoning and soaking up the Swiss mountain culture, descending some of the most iconic canyons in the region, and finishing on a helicopter drop-off to descend one of the larger canyons in the area. This is just one of the highlights of the trip.
The canyons are clustered around two valleys, Valle Leventia and Valle Maggia. These valleys host some of the finest, most exquisite and most adventurous canyons in the Alps. The Ticino canyons are characterised by their marble-like rock, sculpted and formed over milliner. Due to the smooth rock, Ticino canyons are defined by amazing long water slides, and deep pools, offering big jumps. Many of the larger waterfall abseils are full void, which means ‘free hanging’ giving you that amazing feeling of elevation and exposure. Some of the canyons we will explore are absolute classics such as Pontirone and Iragna canyons to Lodrino canyon, an encased 5-star water world classic.
This trip will involve canyoning trips to suit your ability, training sessions will be on offer and full guided excursions will take place daily.
We have spent years canyoning both recreationally and professionally all over the world but we always find ourselves returning to the Ticino. Our experience and knowledge of these canyons is vast and we want to share our passion and this amazing experience with you.
Whether you are new to canyoning or fairly experienced, the Swiss Alps has so much to offer. Many of the canyons you will explore are full day experiences, beginning with a stunning hike in top of the descent. From here under the instruction and Guidance of two UKCA instructors you will descent the canyons in the most exhilarating way. Learning how to set your own ropes, rappel yourself and tackle epic jumps. Some of the canyons are very accessible and almost roadside, whereas some of the longer and larger canyons require up to a 2 hour hike in. The canyons in Ticino tend to be reasonably aquatic and relatively encased, with lots of rappels, slides and jumps. On every trip we will carry water, snacks and lunch. The lunch will be local meats cheeses and baguettes, with fruit and optional wine. Some of the canyons we will do on our trip will be:
Val Grande (V3.A4.III) / Val di Gei canyon (V4.A3.IV)
Osogna Canyon (V4.A4.II)
Pontirone Canyon (V4.A2.III)
Lodrino canyon (V5.A5.IV)
Heli canyon Cresciano (V4.A4.IV)
Find out more information about the International Grading System.
We don't strive to be the biggest but we are passionate about being the best. We will offer you the best equipment and the most experienced and qualified guides. Our knowledge of the local area means we can take you to the best places to grab a bite to eat, or after a day in the canyons we know some of the best Swiss bars for a cold beer or glass of wine.
The Canyons will be selected in country to suit the group’s ability, and weather conditions. We work on a maximum ratio of 1 instructor to 4 trainees this gives you the best experience with your guide for the week.
On your trip to the Ticino with The Canyoning Company you will be accompanied by a UKCA and ICOpro Instructors, Ben Case and George Yates. Both are the owners and founders of The Canyoning Company and have unrivalled experience in the UK for leading international tours and expeditions so you will be in the best hands.
Our Ticino tour is ideal for anyone who would like to explore more about canyoning. It is aimed at an advanced level. As with all our tours and experiences we require a basic level of fitness.
- You should have experience canyoning or similar adventure sport.
- You should have a good level of fitness.
- You should be able to swim.
- You should be confident around water.
- You must be comfortable around heights.
The canyons in Ticino involve more technical rope work which means experience abseiling is important. The canyons will have long abseils, big jumps and big slides. The approach to the canyons can be up to 2 hrs of uphill walking. The more advanced canyons can be more committing which means the ability to walk out of the canyon can be reduced due to its depth or steep walls. These canyons can last 4+ hours in the canyon. That said you don’t need to be an athlete!! On the hike ins we take lots of breaks and soak up the scenery. If you have any concerns or questions just contact us.
We will be staying in a large Swiss style home, in the valley, with all the amenities you would need to relax after a big day out canyoning. central heating, Wi-Fi, showers, kitchen washing machine and dryer. You will have your own room for some privacy or if you are coming as a couple there are couples’ rooms.
During the tour, you will have all your food and meals supplied. You can expect continental-style breakfasts with fruit and cereal. In the canyons, we will take high-energy snacks and lunches. This will compromise baguettes, sandwiches, cake energy bars and sweets. Evening meals will be either catered at the chalet or at local restaurants this is included in the package. You can expect pizza, pasta and stews with a dessert and even a possible Swiss fondue one evening. Snacks will always be available. We will provide a limited amount of beer and wine (if you wish to purchase additional alcoholic beverages you are welcome to at your own expense).
You will be required to book your own flights to Milan, Bergamo (Italy) It is preferable to choose a morning or afternoon arrival time. We will be around all day to pick up and transfer you to the accommodation (2 hours' drive away).
Ben and George will be in the country before the trip begins. If it is cheaper, and/or easier for you to fly out a day early free, but also please note we only have the accommodation for the tour dates so it will be your responsibility to arrange any extra night’s accommodation/food etc.
Canyoning Insurance
Canyoning is a moderate risk activity and does involve inherent risks, because of this The Canyoning Company LTD has full public liability and Indemnity insurance. This means you are covered for any canyoning injury or accident as a direct result of our fault. Our insurance does not cover personal injury, flights baggage or cancelation.
Travel Insurance
It is imperative you get your own canyoning travel insurance before coming out on this trip. This will cover you for personal injury, baggage, cancelation and mountain rescue. The Canyoning Company require your policy number before the departure date.
This is the first time we have run this international trip. But here's what Ben (The Canyoning Company Director) has to say...
" I've been canyoning in the Ticino three times and there's a reason for it! It's MEGA! Big canyons with big slides, jumps and rappels. The scenery is something frome a chocholate box, the food is awesome, ohh and you can fly to the canyons in a Heli."
Here's some reviews of our other international trips...
UPGRADE TO PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
The canyons we visit are beautiful places. The Adventure Photographers will expertly capture our journey from start to finish ensuring you can relive every moment. You will receive the entire collection of full-resolution digital images, shot with top of the range DSLR cameras and delivered in your own private online gallery within 6 hours of your trip.
HOW TO BOOK
Once you’ve made your trip booking with The Canyoning Company, simply contact The Adventure Photographers.
BE INSPIRED
At The Canyoning Company we pride ourselves on achieving and maintaining the highest standard of Canyoning certification as we can.
Providing training and resources to a range of private sector and public sector organisations we also provide help with outdoors training, health and safety as well as knowing how to make your adventure a memory to remember.
