Ghirone – Hiking, Winter and Alpine Landscapes

Ghirone is a hamlet in the municipality of Blenio, in the Canton of Ticino and the Blenio District. The village lies at an altitude of 1,240 metres above sea level. When choosing where to stay, you can consider different highlights: hiking trails start in Ghirone or lead to Ghirone (Aquilesco), while the Campo Blenio-Ghirone ski area offers alpine and Nordic winter sports. The landscape and local history complement these activities with specific points of interest in Ghirone and Baselga.

Landscape and location

Beyond Ghirone lie the Val Camadra and the Greina plateau. Greina is a protected alpine landscape and is listed in the Swiss Federal Inventory of Landscapes of National Importance. The artificial Lake Luzzone extends mostly across the territory of Ghirone. The natural features can be distinguished by their context: Greina represents a protected alpine landscape beyond the village, while Lake Luzzone is an artificial body of water, most of which lies within Ghirone’s territory.

Hiking and summer connections

The Giro della Greina starts in Ghirone. The Campo Blenio Saracino circular trail leads to Ghirone (Aquilesco) and then back to Campo Blenio. It is described as a winter hike without particular difficulties and suitable for adults and children. The trails can be distinguished by their stated features: Ghirone is the starting point for the Giro, while the Saracino is notable for its circular route, its return to Campo Blenio and its suitability for winter. During the summer, Autolinee Bleniesi operates services from Ghirone to Pian Geirett or Luzzone. These services are seasonal; check the current timetable before travelling.

Winter sports in the Campo Blenio-Ghirone ski area

The Campo Blenio-Ghirone ski area has ski lifts for alpine skiing, a natural ice rink and a 4.5-kilometre cross-country ski trail. This offers a choice of different disciplines: alpine skiing, skating on natural ice or cross-country skiing on a trail of a specified length. The three facilities therefore offer distinct activities, catering to different winter-sports interests.

Baselga and the history of Ghirone

The parish church of Saints Martin and George is located in Baselga. The current Baroque building was constructed around 1700 on the foundations of its predecessor; the church’s reconstruction is dated to the 18th century. The history of Ghirone’s municipality can also be placed in context: until 21 October 2006, Ghirone was an independent municipality. On 22 October 2006, it merged with Aquila, Campo, Olivone and Torre to form the new municipality of Blenio.

Other historical references concern specific settlements and different periods. Baselga, then a hamlet of Ghirone, was destroyed by an avalanche in March 1851. In the winter of 1950/1951, further avalanches affected the settlement of Cozzera and agricultural buildings in Buttino. Thus, Baselga is associated with the event of 1851, while Cozzera and Buttino appear in accounts of the winter of 1950/1951.

The hamlets of Aquilesco/Dauresco, Scalvedo, Baselga, Cozzera and Buttino are associated with Ghirone. These names help distinguish the local references: Aquilesco appears in the description of the circular trail, Baselga in the history of the building and the village, and Cozzera and Buttino in accounts of historical avalanches.

Discover more destinations: Blenio, Acquacalda, Dongio, Ludiano, Marolta, Semione, Acquarossa, Prugiasco

Back to the main travel overview: Blenio.