The Ultimate Swiss Adventure in Ticino

World-renowned adventure photographer Chris Burkard has been discovering the Ticino and turned it into his playground to promote Switzerland abroad together with Swiss Tourism board and Swiss Airlines.

Chris picked out some of his favorite activities which many of us living in Ticino might have been enjoying with our kids. Even if you are a local the video is fun to watch. See how many places you recognize.



Be sure to share it with your friends living in the United States (this drawing is offered only in the US) so they can win the Ultimate Swiss Adventure here in Ticino: register to win a trip!

The best beaches around Lugano

Now that the spell of bad weather has passed we should be in for a warm weekend... here are the best beaches in and around Lugano:

Lido di Caslano
My absoulte favourite spot is the Lido of Caslano. You need to rise early if you want to catch one of the four sunshades on the sandy beach but it is worth it: http://www.lidodicaslano.ch/.

 Lido de Lugano
The biggest Lido is of course Il Lido de Lugano. Built in 1928, Lugano Lido’s charm has not faded with time. Though the facilities are constantly renovated, improvements always respect the original wooden structure. Lugano Lido is an extremely popular spot not only with residents of Lugano.
Facilities include:

a beach with fine sand (100 x 20 m) and the possibility of swimming in the lake
an Olympics-size pool heated to 25 degrees (50 x 25 m)
a heated medium-sized pool (25 x 12.5 m)
a diving pool with boards at 1, 3, 5 and 10 metres
a pool for children with water games
a beach volley court (25 x 13 m)
a five-a-side soccer pitch (25 x 13 m)
a very cool bar and restaurant area

Ever since 1992 the Lido also features a giant film screen in summer under the auspices of “Cinema al Lago", a festival of great films which has become more and more popular.

Lido di San Domenico
To find respite during torrid days at the beginning of summer the choice is not limited to Lugano Lido. Visit the Lido di San Domenico, an incredibly picturesque natural beauty-spot which affords stunning views over the lake and the Caprino shoreline. Once you have left Lugano behind, heading for Gandria, drive along that section of the Via Cortivo that skirts the village of Castagnola, and you are in the National Pre-alpine Park. Here the nature lover will find thick laurel groves, thriving olive trees, clumps of agave and a wealth of other Mediterranean flora.

Lido Riva Caccia
From the Lido Riva Caccia platform, close to the lakefront and the city centre, a wonderful landscape is to be admired; the setting is characteristic, exclusive and extremely pleasant. The story of this Lido goes back a long way, in tandem with Lugano's development as a centre for tourism. Construction of the "floating Lido” was the brainchild of the Pro-Lugano Association in 1889, inspired by what had already been proposed in Zurich.

Lido di Melide
Another stunning view is to be enjoyed at the Lido di Melide. This outing can be combined with a visit to the nearby Swiss Miniature.

There, you have a Lido for every day of the week. During the weekend you can revisit your favourite spots. Happy suntanning! Happy swimming!

Walking Lugano 2016

"Walking Lugano" is one of the most important Swiss appointments for walking and Nordic walking fans. You can choose from six different itineraries (from 6.6 to 18.6 Km), all extremely attractive in terms of landscape and well-suited for all sorts of fitness levels. There are longer and more demanding itineraries for those who want to test their endurance and  “softer”, more level itineraries of just a few kilometres for others. The most original itinerary is the 8.2km “Lake and Walking” which also includes a boat trip from Lugano to Gandria.

All you need to do is choose a trail and sign up in Piazza Manzoni as of 9 am on Sunday morning. For more info click here: http://www.walkinglugano.ch/

Relax – 7 km
Melide – 8.2 km
Panorama – 10.7 km
Fitness – 16.2 km
Challenge – 18.7 km
Lake and Walking (with boat ride) – 8.2 km
Brè City Trail (competitive) - NEW!

And for those of you who do not feel like competing there are lots of other activities offered down town throughout the day. Just have a peak here: http://www.walkinglugano.ch/

Have fun and stay healthy!

Calling for Wellness Warriors in Lugano

Anyone else feeling this zesty spring energy?! If you're ready for an 8 week boost, Courtenay and Amy are launching Wellness Warriors: a unique, total health program blending fitness & yoga with nutrition & healthy living to offer a new & complete approach to wellness.

Located at the new HORIZON club with stunning views over Lugano this 8-week course empowers you with the knowledge, motivation & support you need to enjoy life with ease & energy.

As a Wellness Warrior, you will receive:

- Free 20 minute phone consultation with Courtenay or Amy
- Welcome Pack
- Personalised Nutrition & Lifestyle Analysis
- 2hr weekly WELLNESS sessions with Courtenay & Amy
- Weekly Goal & Habit setting
- 8 weeks of home workouts & yoga practice
- Nutritional Guidance & Support
- 8 weeks of continual support & coaching in a powerful community

The Wellness Warrior Course begins Wednesday, April 6. What are you waiting for? Contact either Amy or Courtney for more details at: amyker@amykfit.com or courtenaymastain@gmail.com or click here to see the flyer. For more info check out: Mytree Yoga.

This is your chance to meet a fun community of like minded women! Namaste!

StraLugano 2015

Get ready this weekend. There is a fantastic sporting opportunity for you and your kids coming up. It is a social happening that you cannot miss. Head down town and enjoy the last summer vibes during the annual event of Stralugano.

Stralugano's philosophy extends from elite athletes to the occasional runner but - above all - it has a big heart. A heart logo displays the sensitivity not only in sports but towards neighbours and especially towards those who are not lucky enough to live full and free movement of their body.

Therefore, since it's creation ten years ago, Stralugano has paid particular attention in supporting worthy organizations and enhance their sensitivity.

The six races planned are:
- 30 km - for the usual runners that practice the marathon or the half-marathon
- 10 km - half competitive: 10 winners will be chosen by lot from the finishers
- StraLugano Relay - race on the 30 km course with 3 fractions
- Kidsrun - race for children and kids (max 14 years old)
- Handbike

... and NEW this year the FLUORUN! On Saturday 26 at 21.00 get ready for a run that will illuminate the streets of Lugano! 45 minutes of non-competitive race, full of energy and super sparkly. So, choose your favourite fluo color and... participate together with your friends in Lugano's first FluoRun!

Hurry, you can still register until September 26th, 2015 (between 14.00 and 20.00) at the "Centro Manifestazioni" in via Campo Marzio.

The Stralugano is a run and fun event: a folklore festival is held at the "Stralugano Village" that includes amusements, music, fitness, shopping and support for various charity associations. The festival kicks off on Saturday afternoon and continues all Sunday.

Here's the programme:

Saturday, September 26th, 2015
14.00               Piazza Manzoni - Apertura Villaggio StraLugano
14.00 - 20.00   Centro Esposizioni - Ritiro pettorali e iscrizioni tardive
14.00 - 18.00   Piazza Manzoni - Iscrizioni e ritiro pettorali KidsRun
16.00 - 20.00   Piazza Luini - Iscrizioni FluoRun
16.00               Liceo 1 – Verifiche tecniche partecipanti gara handbike
20.00               Piazza Manzoni – Lungolago – Gara Internazionale di handbike
21.00               Piazza Luini – Lungolago – Partenza FluoRun
21.00 - 24.00   Piazza Riforma – Evento Musicale - 10 anni di StraLugano
                        Concerto dei Karma Krew e dei Vad Vuc

Sunday, September 27th, 2015
Race 30km, Staffette, 10km
07.00 - 09.00  Centro Esposizioni – Ritiro pettorali
08.30 - 09.45  Piazza Luini – Warm Up SUVA
09.55              Piazza Manzoni - Lungolago-Cerimonia di partenza con inno svizzero
10.00              Piazza Manzoni - Lungolago – Partenza 30km, Staffetta e 10km
10.30              Piazza Manzoni - Lungolago – Primi arrivi gara 10km City
11.30              Piazza Manzoni - Lungolago – Primi arrivi gara 30km Panoramic
12.00              Piazza Manzoni - Lungolago – podio maschile e femminile gara 30km
12.00              Centro Esposizioni – Migros Pasta Party
13.00              Centro Esposizioni – Premiazioni 10km City
14.00              Centro Esposizioni – Premiazioni 30km Panoramic e Staffette

KidsRun
Fino ore 12.00 Piazza Riforma - InfoPoint ultime iscrizioni
Fino ore 13.30  Piazza Riforma - InfoPoint ritiro pettorali
13.30              Riva Albertolli – Ritrovo partecipanti
14.00 - 15.00 Piazza Manzoni - Lungolago - gare delle diverse categorie
15.15              Piazza Riforma – Premiazioni
15.30              Chiusura della 10a edizione della StraLugano

Follow Ticino's yellow hiking signs

Do you enjoy hiking? Looking for company with the same passion? Then TI Sentieri, Ticino's hiking association has an answer. Their mission is setting up and constantly updating the cantonal hiking trails, while improving the information mapping. They also organize guided excursions and train guides. You'll recognise their efforts when you spot the yellow hiking signs.

Their next guided tour leads to the source of the Brenno river near Lucomagno. It is an all day hike departing at 8:45 from Alpe Casaccia and returning there around 17:00.

All you need is a good pair of hiking shoes, appropriate all-weather gear, a bottle of water and a snack and you are set. Cost: CHF 20.-

Venue: Hike to the source of River Brenno
Where: Alpe Casaccia near Blenio
Date: Wednesday, August 26th, 2015
Time: 8:45
For more info call: Mr Hess at 079/760'26'23 and register today.
For a detailed programme click here: www.ticinosentieri.ch

Unusual world record set in Valle Maggia

Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Valle Maggia, a 27-year old Brazilian who grew up in Switzerland has set a new world record this month. Laso Schaller is a man without fear. He proved this by jumping off the top of the "Cascata del Salto", a waterfall gushing to life with summer rains located in the depths of the Maggia valley where water comes cascading down over a sheer drop into a deep pool, creating a stunning natural amphitheatre.

Passionate canyoneer and high-diver he performed a breathtaking dive of 58.8m over the picturesque waterfall. A spectacular, extraordinary and unique flying stunt.

See for yourself:

A challenging hike on the Gotthard Pass

Looking for a place with a view? Beware, it is also a bit of a challenge.

The ridge path from the Gotthard Pass to the Bedretto valley is outstanding and has wonderful views onto the Tessin mountain world. The panorama ranges from Val Piora to the Cristallina region. The old Gotthardpass road, which winds its way in numerous curves up the Tremola ravine, is also impressive. A perfect getaway for hot, sweltering summer days. the hiking time is about 4 hours, however, it is an experience you won't forget.

The hike begins at Gotthard Pass and leads first of all along the main road, going South. The view into Tremola ravine is most impressive during the stretch along the road gallery. At the end of the gallery there is an ascent to Strade dei Banchi. After Costoni di Fieud, views of Leventina and Val Bedretto become visible. The ridge path leads past the alpine pastures of Pian Secco and Fibbia before it reaches its highest point at the alpine hut Rosso di fuori. The valley of Bedretto with its charming villages lies far below. The descent winds its way via Alpe di Vinei and Alpe di Cavanne down to Ronco.

Technical information
Begin of tour: Gotthard Hospiz bus stop
Access starting point: Journey from Airolo to Gotthard Pass by postal bus
Point of arrival: Ronco bus stop
Access point of arrival: Return trip by bus from Ronco
Hiking time: 4 h
Physical fitness: challenging
Difficulty: medium difficulty
Difference in elevation: 720 m

Here's the map: http://www.myswitzerland.com/

Ticino's swimming pools

The summer is nearly here and I thought I'd share a useful list of open air and covered swimming pools throughout Ticino. Did you know the Lido of Lugano was founded in 1928 or that Bellinzona's outdoor pool was inaugurated 45 years ago. Check them out for yourself.

Switzerland's pools by Canton: http://www.badi-info.ch
Lugano's Lido: http://www.luganoturismo.ch
Bellinzona' Bagno Publico: http://sport.bellinzona.ch
Lido di Locarno: http://www.lidolocarno.ch
Lido's and public baths around Lugano: http://www.luganoturismo.ch

My personal favourite is Lido di Caslano. Make sure you get there early since it is very small but a unique experience.

Lugano's Scenic trail

Should you be feeling very adventurous and terribly energetic, I have just the solution. Why not try to hike Lugano's scenic trail... or even parts of it!

The stunning, panoramic excursion (run) along ridges in the Lugano area through awe-inspiring landscapes offers unique vistas! The route follows a logical line linking a number of ridges. It starts from Tesserete and goes all the way to Monte Brè, above Lugano.

Long route: 54 km and 3900 height difference www.scenictrail.ch
Shorter route: 24 km and 2200 height difference www.scenictrail.ch

The official race is held once a year. This year it falls on Saturday, June 13th, 2015. Further information can be found on the Scenictrail.ch site.

Outside race-day, those embarking on this excursion can shorten or interrupt it at several points, see  ti-sentieri.ch, a smashing site which contains the official network of hiking trails which you can print free of charge.

An excursion which can be spread out over several days, staying overnight along the route at the places listed below, in order of arrival:
Agriturismo Alpe Zalto, 
Agriturismo Alpe Rompiago, 
Capanna Monte Bar, Capanna San Lucio/Rifugio San Lucio, Capanna Pairolo, Alpe Bolla.

The entire route is marked by fixed signage with yellow signs showing the event logo against a greenback background. In any case, for safety's sake we recommend taking the route map with you. Download here: www.ti-sentieri.ch

54K RACE
Start: Tesserete 07:00
Finish: Tesserete
Total altitude gain: 3'900 D+
Distance: 54.2 Km

Time barriers:
Motto della Croce  10:00
San Lucio  13:00
Capanna Pairolo 15:00
Monte Bré  18:00
Alpe Bolla 20:15
Tesserete FINISH 22:15

24K RACE
Start: Tesserete 07:00
Finish: San Lucio
Total altitude gain: 2'200 D+
Distance: 23.8 Km

Time barriers:
Motto della Croce 10:00
San Lucio FINISH 13:00

Join Lugano's road runners

There is no excuse! It is time to get fit and make new friends at the same time!

Amy's motto is: " RUN TO A HEALTHIER, SEXIER, MORE CONFIDENT YOU!"
Running is the best energy boosting, heart pumping, calorie blasting workout you can do anywhere, anytime with anyone! It's the perfect stress reliever, confidence builder and total body workout that'll literally take you to new places while you have some fun (hopefully in the sun!) too!

Road Runners will hit the road every Tues (pm), Thurs (pm) and Sat (am) for the next 8 weeks. The programme is designed to take you from 0-5km in just 8 weeks. Sessions will be one hour long (not ALL running!) including:
- Body Pumping warm up
- Lugano Lake run focused on that week's goal
- Strength training/Active cool down. ​

​The programme will begin with a Run/Walk balance to build up stamina, gradually increasing "time on feet", eventually changing the focus to build mileage. Finishing with your successful completion of a 5km run! Non-Stop :)

Sound too good to be true? Nope, just click here and sign up now!
For more info call call Amy at 079/588'05'26, e-mail her at amyker@amykfit.com or check out her website here.

Road Runners begins 04.05.2015 (first group session Tues 5th May).

Walking Lugano 2015

"Walking Lugano" is one of the most important Swiss appointments for walking and Nordic walking fans. You can choose from six different itineraries (from 6.6 to 18.6 Km), all extremely attractive in terms of landscape and well-suited for all sorts of fitness levels. There are longer and more demanding itineraries for those who want to test their endurance and  “softer”, more level itineraries of just a few kilometres for others. The most original itinerary is the 8.2km “Lake and Walking” which also includes a boat trip from Lugano to Gandria.

All you need to do is decide which trail you want to walk and sign up here: http://www.walkinglugano.ch/

Relax – 6.6km
Melide – 8.2 km
Panorama – 10.6 km
Fitness – 15.6km
Challenge – 18.6 km
Lake and Walking (with boat ride) – 8.2 km

Have fun and stay healthy!

Summer Camps around Lugano 2015

Now’s the time to start hunting for the perfect summer camp. Many camps are already filling up, and some of the most popular may already be at capacity, or with waitlists for late-summer seasons. Don’t worry though. If you’re looking to send the kids somewhere they’ll learn something interesting, or even just give them something to do (and come home after) to help them stay busy, you have plenty of options.

The most complete list is put together every year by Ticino per bambini. Click here for their link.

Vivi Lugano is a programme offered by the city of Lugano in your neighboorhood community: Vivi Lugano.

The WWF summer camps are very popular. Click here for the list of their Ticino section. Click here.
The World Wide Fund for Nature is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1961, and is working on issues regarding the conservation, research and restoration of the environment.

Sport Kids Week Summer camp are held in Tenero: click here.

For summer courses at the American School in Switzerland (TASIS) click here.

Another option is Tandem - Spicchi di vacanza: click here

This girl can...

Every once in a while a video crosses my screen that I feel the urge to share. This is one of them.

"This Girl Can" is a national campaign developed by Sport England and a wide range of partnership organisations. It's a celebration of active women up and down the country who are doing their thing no matter how well they do it, how they look or even how red their face gets.

"This Girl Can" is here to inspire women to wiggle, jiggle, move and prove that judgement is a barrier that can be overcome.

 

Switzerland's favourite winter sports

Following yesterday's infographic I came across one with Switzerland's favourite winter sports. I love infographics, especially when they are about my home country. Since Switzerland is not part of the EU, unfortunately, it often gets left out on the European information charts.

Did you know that "only" 46% of Swiss state skiing is their favourite winter sport. I would have thought it were considerably more?! An astonishing 11% declare snowshoeing their favourite activity of the season, whereas 10% prefer tobogganing. 7% are avid snowboarders.  6% of the Swiss population each claim cross-country skiing and ice skating as their favourite winter pastime. However, 14% of Swiss don't like winter sports. Are you one of them?

Switzerland: the most Multicultural football team

Who are we rooting for? Switzerland, of course. Yes, I am talking about the World Cup! Yes, Switzerland is still in the game. Hurray!

It seems, Switzerland is the most multicultural of all the 32 teams taking part in the 2014 football World Cup in Brazil. 15 out of 23 players in the Swiss squad are of foreign origin. At this point, I not sure if we should we be proud or concerned?

A new infographic of World Cup players and their nationalities and family connections currently doing the rounds on the internet and social media shows that the Swiss team is the most cosmopolitan at the tournament. The graphic created by Australian designer James Offer shows that 15 Swiss players have 21 different family connections to other countries, ahead of Australia (18), Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina and France (each with 16 connections).

Many of the Swiss squad are second-generation immigrants, who have at least one foreign parent. It’s not unusual for Swiss players to hold more than one passport such as Philippe Senderos who has Spanish and Serbian parents.

Click on the graphic below for a full interactive version:

For more info, check out http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news

Hopp Schwiiz!

Walking Lugano 2014

Get ready for next Sunday's event. Walking Lugano is one of the Ticino's highlights for lovers of walking and Nordic walking. There are five routes (5 to 18 km) which guarantee breathtaking views, attractive landscapes and are suitable for all fitness levels: from those who want to test themselves on the longer and more challenging tracks to those who prefer to opt for a "soft" path and a few flat kilometres. The original route is the 5km "Lake and Walking" which also includes a section by boat from Lugano to Gandria.

You can either register online or sign-up directly ar Piazza Manzoni on Saturday, April 26th from 15.00 to 17.00 or Sunday, April 27th, 2014 at 9:00.

Following are some indications of the time of the walk:

Lake & walking - 5km
50 min. (from Gandria)

Relax - 6.6 km
1h 05 min.

Panorama - 10.6 km
1h 40 min.

Fitness - 15.6 km
2h 30 min.

Challenge - 18.6 km
3h 10 min.

To end the party with a bang, you can join the fun at Piazza Riforma and Piazza Manzoni where you'll find various stands, entertainment, a dining area (in Piazza Rezzonico) and live entertainment on stage during the afternoon. For more info: http://www.walkinglugano.ch/

Make the most of Lugano's programme to be healthy and spend a day in movement and smiling with the whole family!

Swiss Olympic vintage

Have you not been hit by the Olympic spirit yet? Or are you glued to the TV since Friday night? Either way, did you know that Switzerland hosted the Winter Olympics on two occasions? In 1928 and 1948, both times the games were held in St.Moritz. At the time there were 464 and 669 participants respectively.

This is what it looked like:

The U.S. women's ski team shows off their stylish uniforms

at the '48 Games in snowy St. Moritz.

Judges hold up scorecards at the 1948 Winter Olympics,

the first Winter Olympics to be held in the wake of World War II.



The 1928 Winter Olympics featured two demonstration sports:
skijoring and military patrol

Alpine skiing was not an event yet!

In 1948 two rival American Olympic Hockey teams showed up, confused organizers allowed one to play and the other to march in the opening ceremonies.

Free Zumba Kids class in Lugano

To all you Zumba fans out there: listen up! I know for a fact that Lugano has quite a few Zumba fans from all kinds of nationalities. Don't miss the ultimate dance-fitness party for kids from 7 to 12 years of age.

If you are fast, there will be a free Zumba Kids trial class available for you today from 17:00 to 18:00. Just call 076/387'00'18 or e-mail: spazio360@sunrise.ch.

Corsa della Speranza - Run for Hope 2013

While you get ready for the StraLugano 2013 you can start practicing with your family in a real fun way: the Corsa della Speranza.

Run of Hope is a Festival celebrated in more than fifty countries worldwide for cancer research. The idea was originates in the late 80s, from Canada, where the 23-year-old Terry Fox, lacking a leg amputated of a bone cancer, decided to cross the country, with a metal prosthesis in order to raise awareness about the disease and to raise funds for the fight against cancer. Terry failed to conclude his stoical challenge. The cancer took him away before. But his brave and generous spirit continues to live through the Runs of Hope.

It is a non-competitive event. You can run, march or just walk on a 5 km route through the most emblematic streets of Lugano. The youngest can even join with their scooter (monopattino).

It's a race for everyone: families, schools, societies, children, grandfathers, grandmothers... Revenues, made from inscriptions and from spontaneous offers or donations, are entirely paid to the Ticinese Foundation for Cancer Research, which funds International research projects taking place in Ticino.

You can registrer on the actual day of the race at Piazza Reforma as of 11.00 am.
For more info click here: http://www.corsadellasperanza.ch/presentazione.html

Start is at 18.00 in Piazza Manzoni along the lakefront. All the participants are invited for a pasta party after the race with music in the piazza. In case of bad weather the pasta party is organized at the pavilion Conza.

Venue: Corsa della Speranza
Where: Piazza Manzoni
Date: Saturday, September 14th, 2013
Time: 18:00
Registration cost: CHF 25.- for adults and CHF 10.- for children