Denti della Vecchia: the dolomite towers above Lugano and Capanna Pairolo

Looking north-east from Lugano you see a serrated ridge that looks out of place in Ticino: the Denti della Vecchia, dolomite spires that Lugano climbers have used for a century. Walking under them and then along them is the finest ridge day in the Lugano area.

The route

We start at Cimadera and climb to the alpine club's Capanna Pairolo at 1,350 m: from there the path takes the ridge, passes under the towers and reaches its high point at 1,491 m, between Sasso Grande and Sasso Palazzo.

The loop closes on the Val Colla side. There are exposed moves where you use your hands: that is why this one always has a qualified guide and a small group.

Who it's for

• anyone who has walked steep ground and is not troubled by exposure
• anyone who wants a technical day without going far from Milan
• anyone who loves rock that changes colour at sunset

Good to know

This is not a beginners' walk: grade one moves, chains at two points, slippery ground in the rain. On wet ground the guide falls back on the lower loop around the hut. Lunch at the hut is optional and must be booked.

You are crossing into Switzerland

A valid ID in your pocket, not in your rucksack: Switzerland is not in the European Union and border checks do happen.

Mountain rescue is charged for: in Switzerland the helicopter is billed to the person who calls it. Guiddy accident insurance is included, but a Rega card (about €40 a year) or a policy covering rescue costs in Switzerland is what we suggest to everyone.

Swiss francs: huts and cable cars almost always take cards, but a few valley huts are still cash only. The European health card is valid in Switzerland for emergency care.

Getting there

A9 to Lugano, then up Val Colla to Cimadera: an hour and a half from the ring road, with a narrow, twisting final stretch.

By car you need the Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40, valid for the calendar year) if you use the motorway: you buy it at the border, at petrol stations near the crossing, or online.