Monte Ferraro (CH) - 1 494 meters
Nr 43
40th summit in Switzerland.
Today was the 8th of january 2017 (- 8° on the summit + a strong wind) and this was already the 6th summit this year (all of them new).
It's quite difficult to explain the route we took today when using the official CAS (Swiss Alpine Club) guides. Basically we started on path 717 just above the Village of Arosio and then walked through Böscior, after a while there is a path going up on the left to "La Bassa" and then with route 730 up to the summit; to read on pages 462 (partially) and 475 of the 5th volume (Guida delle Prealpi ticinesi).
As route down, we used the path on the other side of the mountain and therefore in the end it was some kind of circular hike with a little outbreak to reach the summit.
This could actually be my new favourite mountain for an afternoon nature getaway when staying in Lugano (lunch included it was 3,5 hours today). Having said that, you need a car or a bike (or more time if you decide to go for a bus) to come up to Arosio because otherwise you'll have a much longer walk up and you could need a whole day for it.
What we liked about this mountain was, that it gives you an amazing view not only of the lakes as it's usual for peaks in this region, but of all surrounding mountains. This because the peak is a bit "behind" and located on the North-Western side of Lugano, not so far away and as high as Monte Tamaro; therefore Monte Ferraro gives you a sensation of having all surroundings of Lugano on display (there is a good picture about this below.. unfortunately with the city a bit in the fog).
Paths are always clearly marked and the few moments where it's a little exposed are still very save and easily passable. A perfect summit for an easy, short escape into nature.
Level: T2+
With Katrin
ROUTE:
