The Piora Valley – between «old» and «new» commons
Piora is one of the largest alpine pastures in Canton Ticino, where the renowned Piora AOC cheese is produced. Owned by the ancient «Corporazione dei Boggesi di Piora», it is also managed by the members of the corporation on a voluntary basis with the help of a professional staff combining traditional uses with modern cheese-making techniques. The excursion will focus on the evolution of collective uses and the challenges of the new land use forms and ecosystem services, from mountain pastoralism and hydroelectric exploitation to tourism and nature conservation.
We will be travelling from Bern (departure 7:00h, meeting point 6:45h) to Ambrì-Stazione, from where we will taking a minibus and drive to Lake Cadagno. There we will meet with local guide Mark Bertogliati, who will visit the Piora alp with us. There will be lunch with typical local products, followed by an excursion on foot back to the Rifugio lago Ritom (1,5 -2 hours). From there we will be taking the minibus back to Ambrì-Stazione, from where will return via Lucerne to Bern (arrival time approx. 20:00h).
Duration:
26 August 2023, 07:00-20:00
Price:
Excursion, standard rate: 50 CHF
Excursion, SBB Halbtax holders: 40 CHF
Excursion, SBB GA and Swiss Travel Pass holders: 10 CHF
Add a pre-booked full lunch (including soft drinks, coffee/tea): 30 CHF
Practical information - Required equipment:
Hiking shoes; sun and rain protection; enough drinking water; possibly hiking sticks.
In case of bad weather we will visit the Leventina Museum in Giornico.
