This week we set out to visit two beautiful waterfalls in Ticino. Do you think we made it? … Read on to find out.
Back to Ticino, and Back to Kindergarten, Catching up with Friends, Visiting Maggia, and Valle Verzasca, and a Birthday Celebration.
Back to Ticino
Week two of 2025 started off with a road trip back from Poland to Ticino. As we got to the Alps, we drove through the most beautiful snowfall. Crossing the border from Austria to Switzerland there was no sign of snow. We could see the mountains far away glowing with their white snowcaps. An hour later when we started the ascent to St Bernardino along the crooked road, the snow started to settle on the asphalt. Traffic was light so we had minimal distraction until we got to the other side of the tunnel.
On the southern side of the tunnel snow covered everything. At this point there was no snowplough in sight. Throughout the serpentine, the descent took a long time. Winter tyres did an excellent job for us. However a few cars in front of us an Italian car had to stop to wait for rescue services (summer tyres – I guess).
We don’t have too much experience driving in the snow, especially in the mountains. Luckily everyone was going sensibly throughout our journey. At home we were greeted with hot dinner made by my parents. Little treat to the soul, when you don’t have to think about feeding the fam after two long days of travelling.
The following days were filled with various tasks around the house to get it into shape before our friends arrived. I think one day I did six loads of laundry just to give you an idea of the mess we had post holiday.
Back to Kindergarten
Kindergarten started midweek with half a day session. Easing back into the classroom routine was smoother this time than after autumn break. B can communicate much better now in Italian thanks to the lessons and the friendships he made in the last four months. Our nervous boy turned into a confident cheeky italianish-speaking boy.
Birthday Celebration
O turned one this week. Celebration was planned for the weekend. However, winter flu caught up on our little boy by the end of the week. With a temperature over 40 degrees celsius, he wasn’t enjoying much of his first birthday celebration.
Catching up with Friends
Hosting has become the highlights of my year. Since I am a full time stay at home Mom, I appreciate all the connections I get even more than before. Days fly by so quick with three little ones in tow.
I love the anticipation (cleaning / tidying). I love the meal planning and preparation process. Choosing things to do and places to explore. While adjusting the rhythm to suit 4-6 grownups and 4 kids (1-2-3-6) and the coolest dog and cat. Life is never dull.
Maggia
This time we visited a little village of Maggia. With the goal to visit the Cascata del Salto first then to head down to the river for a stroll. Little we knew that the waterfall is not accessible with buggy. Indeed it is a hiking trail gem. With the help of the locals, our crew quickly changed direction and headed to the river, Maggia. Dads took the cars, and Moms took the kids and the dog. Down in the village behind Migros, the suspension bridge, called Pontine di Maggia, leads across the Maggia river. The shore on the other side is easily accessible even with tiny feet (not with buggy though).
Overall, Maggia is a small village with about 2.5 k residents. It seems to be a good base for the many trials. There are many parking spots, convenience stores and restaurants. Looking at the mountains from the car park, I could see some chapels and waterfalls that I would have loved to explore but they were not accessible with a buggy. I am sure we will be back though.
Our tiny humans, and the doggy had plenty of space to roam. Hence, on the way home, they have all fallen asleep in the car. It’s impossible to plan a second stop when your passengers are snoozing. We called it a day and headed home.
Valle Verzasca
Set off as early as possible to catch the couple of hours of sunshine that reaches Valle Verzasca in January. First stop was Sonogno. The village is at the northern part of the valley. Parking was free of charge this time around. Although, the reminders for paying for parking in the high season were displayed everywhere. There is an option to buy a whole day parking ticket that covers the whole valley.
We were not prepared for the snow but it was very welcomed. We are yet to learn to plan properly, considering the elevation level. There was a crisp line showing the start of the snow on the trees and rocks. The divide was visible from far away.
While walking around in Sonogno we met a local gentleman, who was ever so chatty and helpful. He told us that this time of the year we can grab something to eat by the sport center. We quizzed him a little about the surroundings. He told us that when he was little snow was covering the area for most of the winter, however in the recent decade snow is less and less. We set out to look at the Cascata La Froda, however he told us that it is unlikely that we find any water running, but may be some ice. He also pointed out that the path is free from services during the winter but encouraged to see it for ourselves. So we did.
Turning right at the sport center, the road was clear until the next turn. Then it was clearly marked that no winter clearing services are in operation. First we tried to pull the buggy / trailer through the snow. Then we decided to ditch it and carry the kiddies. Following the map we got to the point where we should have crossed the river. However, there was no clear access to the other side. We decided to return to the car park, feed the empty bellies, and move onto the destination.
Verzasca Dam
Ever so famous dam appeared in the opening part of the James Bond movie ‘GoldenEye’. Mostly known as Verzasca dam is called Contra Dam or Locarno Dam. It is a popular spot amongst the adrenaline seekers. The dam is 220 m tall and has a well-known bungee jumping station. This year the dam has hosted the Red Bull dual ascent climbing event. Where ten teams of twenty climbers tackled 180 m route.
It is really hard to put into words how small one can feel standing on the dam, with huge opening in front of him / her when looking out to the Lake Maggiore. On the other side, Lake Vogolno holds a terrifying power of distraction should the anything happen to the structure of the surroundings. Running out of daylight, we have returned to home and warmed up with some homemade soup.
There are many places we wished we could further explore. However, due to our young crew, we need to limit our stops to two, maximum three. We aim to extend the time spent outdoors and the number places visited as the kids grow.
Two more family friends are visiting in the next few weeks. I am very much looking forward to these. Look out for more updates on our adventures with our tiny humans.
Expat Mom Journal 