Capanna Alpe Arena
The place
Unstaffed hut ("incustodita") set at 1687 m on the right-hand slope of the upper Val Vergeletto, at the heart of the Arena Forest Reserve (established 1992) — Ticino, Locarno district (Switzerland). Built in 1982, the establishment has two buildings: the main one with a kitchen and dining room for around 20 people and a central fireplace, table and stools; the secondary one houses a dormitory with 30 bunk beds. Managed by SEIM (Società Escursionistica Isorno Melezza). A notable position above the Onsernone, on the fringe of the large forested expanse of the Vergeletto. Exceptional setting: mixed forest of beech, chestnut and fir, wild landscape of the Val Onsernone, emblematic wildlife including golden eagle, chamois, roe deer and eagle owl. Classic access via a red-white trail leading through the adjoining forest to the Grotto Fondovalle at Vergeletto; by public transport, take the bus to Zott/Funivia Salei then continue on foot to the bottom of the valley.
Getting there
Red-white trail from Grotto Fondovalle (Vergeletto). Bus to Zott/Funivia Salei then on foot. Managed by SEIM.
The setting
Upper Val Vergeletto (Ticino), Arena Forest Reserve (1992), Val Onsernone.
