Driving the steep road to Alpe Cortaccio in Ticino
Alpe Cortaccio is a high mountain destination at an elevation of 1,067m (3,498ft) above sea level, located in the district of Locarno, within the canton of Ticino, Switzerland. Situated very near the Italian border, it is widely considered one of the steepest paved climbs in the Swiss Alps, offering a relentless challenge for motorists and cyclists alike.
The road overlooks the western shores of Lake Maggiore, providing spectacular panoramic views of the water and the surrounding Lepontine Alps. The ascent starts in the picturesque town of Brissago, famous for its mild climate and subtropical vegetation. As the road climbs, the scenery shifts dramatically from the lakefront palms to dense mountain forests and alpine pastures, characteristic of the steep valleys of the Sopraceneri region.
| Road facts: Alpe Cortaccio | |
|---|---|
| Location | Ticino, Switzerland (near Italy) |
| Elevation | 1,067 m (3,498 ft) |
| Length | 7.1 km (4.4 miles) |
| Elevation Gain | 852 m |
| Hairpin Turns | 25 |
| Max Gradient | 22% |
Is the road to Alpe Cortaccio difficult to drive?
The road to the summit, which follows the Via Ghiridone, is entirely asphalted but exceptionally narrow and technical. Starting from Brissago, the total ascent is 7.1 km (4.4 miles) long, covering an impressive elevation gain of 852 meters. The drive maintains a grueling average gradient of 12%, but its most defining feature is a series of 25 sharp hairpin turns packed into a very short distance. Drivers will encounter several sections where the incline remains between 17% and 22%, requiring high concentration and excellent brake control, especially during the descent.
The road is often flanked by traditional stone retaining walls on one side and steep, unprotected slopes on the other. Most stretches are only wide enough for a single vehicle, meaning drivers must be prepared to reverse to passing points if they encounter oncoming traffic. The lack of modern safety barriers in many sections adds to the thrill and difficulty of this vertical Swiss climb.
What are the conditions at Alpe Cortaccio?
Due to its extreme steepness and northern Italian-Swiss climate, the road can be challenging throughout the year. While the surface is paved, it can be treacherous in winter if ice or snow is present. The route passes through small hamlets like Incella and Piodina before reaching the alpine huts at the top. It is a destination primarily sought after by those looking for "extreme cycling" or a quiet viewpoint far above the bustling tourist areas of Lake Maggiore. Self-sufficiency is recommended, as there are no services at the summit, only the breathtaking silence of the Ticino mountains.