Lido Alpino Vallemaggia
A project promoted by the
Municipality of Cevio
Location
The Vallemaggia Valley, Canton of Ticino - Switzerland, covers an area of 570 km² and occupies one fifth of the cantonal territory. Home to approximately 6,000 inhabitants, it is characterized by a main valley floor which, from the 293 m above sea level of Avegno, gently penetrates the heart of the Alps, then branches into three lateral valleys (Bavona, Lavizzara and Rovana), reaching up to 3,272 m above sea level at Basodino Peak. For this reason, it boasts a territory that is unique of its kind, rich in history, morphologically diverse, and of extraordinary scenic beauty, anthropic value, and natural significance. Its relatively mild climate encourages a great variety of landscapes, making it a highly sought-after tourist destination.
Thirty kilometres from Ascona and Locarno, easily accessible also by public transportation, lies the Municipality of Cevio, the capital of Vallemaggia, inhabited by around 1,100 residents. It comprises three villages, among which is Bignasco, from where an important branching extends: on its left side begins the Bavona Valley, while on the right side lies the Lavizzara Valley. Precisely here, at the foot of an imposing waterfall that serves as a natural backdrop, within a prestigious landscaped area immersed in greenery, the construction of the new Lido Alpino Vallemaggia is planned—a project promoted by the Municipality of Cevio.
Origin of the project
For almost fifty years, Bignasco was home to its outdoor swimming pool, which represented an important attraction for the local community and for the many tourists who each year explore Maggia Valley.
The Bignasco swimming pool was closed in 2020 because the costs required for its refurbishment had become unsustainable for a small community. This situation therefore revived the Lido Alpino Vallemaggia project, whose idea originated in 2011, when the local authorities initiated a study for the construction of a new recreational and tourist centre. This was certainly a more ambitious and forward-looking intention than the simple refurbishment of an old infrastructure, but one with very different potential. The Lido Alpino Vallemaggia in fact has the potential to generate positive effects for the entire Maggia Valley, which, thanks to this investment, could benefit from renewed vitality. For this very reason, the project was included in the Masterplan Vallemaggia.
The Masterplan is a strategic guidance document, supported by the Canton through the Regional Economic Policy, which defines objectives and actions for the socioeconomic development of peripheral regions. The importance of the Lido Alpino Vallemaggia was indeed confirmed by the integration of the project into the Masterplan 2016–2030 for the municipalities of the upper Vallemaggia, as a flagship project of high strategic value for the region, promoted in collaboration with the local Regional Development Agency (Antenna Vallemaggia).
The cloudburst of 2024
During the night between 29 and 30 June 2024, a sudden violent rainstorm severely devastated the Bavona Valley and the upper Maggia Valley. Within just a few hours, such a large amount of water fell that it swept away everything in its path: trees, rocks, buildings, roads, bridges, power lines, and communication networks. Eight people lost their lives, and the damage exceeded one hundred million Swiss francs. The reconstruction works will require substantial investments that cannot be borne by a peripheral community such as Cevio. However, in the history of the Valley this is not the only catastrophic event that has severely tested the people of Vallemaggia and their territory; the recurrence of such events has helped to shape the resilience of its inhabitants, who repeatedly raise their heads and look to the future with positivity and hope.
Water is an element that can destroy, but it is also the primary source of life. The Lido Alpino Vallemaggia is a project that arises precisely thanks to water and is promoted with determination by a community that does not give up in the face of adversity.
The Lido Alpino Vallemaggia project
In recent years, we have been witnessing new tourism trends linked to leisure, nature, and the practice of sports and recreational activities in high-quality landscape settings.
Health, enjoyment, relaxation, and respectful contact with nature are key elements of the tourism offering. In this sense, Bignasco, thanks to its still unspoiled alpine landscape of rare beauty, represents the ideal setting for the realization of this project. Beauty, experiential offerings, and the natural context blend perfectly, creating an attraction that can be promoted on a Ticino, Swiss, and—why not—international scale.
The core of the project is based on the construction of a new sustainable tourist facility, appropriate to the surrounding context, which will replace the outdated structure from the 1970s. In addition to swimming pools, the new facility will include spaces dedicated to well-being and to the care of body and spirit. Furthermore, the construction of a fully equipped area for camper vans is also planned, responding to the increasing number of visitors who travel through the Valley in this way.
Through a public competition, the dedicated commission appointed by the Municipality of Cevio selected the project by the internationally renowned Spanish architect Daniel Fraile Ortiz, entitled “Giardino su due livelli” (Garden on Two Levels), which provides:
Swimming Pools
Two indoor, heated swimming pools: one for swimmers (25 by 13 metres) and one for children (4 by 4 metres).
Small Wellness Center (SPA)
Sauna, steam bath, contrast shower, whirlpool tub, and relaxation area.
Bistrot
A space dedicated to catering, including an indoor dining room with approximately thirty seats and an outdoor terrace with an additional approximately fifty seats.
Camper Van Parking Area
A tree-lined area adjacent to the bathing facility, with thirty parking spaces for camper vans and the necessary services specifically designed for users of the area.
Green Areas
More than 3,500 m² of green spaces, within which various facilities for recreational use are planned, including a children’s playground and a relaxation area equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas.
2025
Start of the fundraising campaign
2026
Final design phase
2027 - 2028
Execution of the construction works
2029 - 2030
Opening of the facility
The target audience
The Lido Alpino Vallemaggia meets the needs of a very diverse target audience: individuals, families, young people and senior citizens, as well as enthusiasts of soft tourism and outdoor sports. The infrastructure naturally also offers its services to the resident population and to that of the Ascona Locarno region throughout the year, serving as an important attraction. This aspect is particularly significant, especially when considered in relation to the issue of depopulation of the valleys, which has been a concern of local authorities for years and is a recurring topic on the cantonal and national political agenda.
The Lido addresses a tourism sector interested in experiencing activities in close contact with nature, with a preference for sports and outdoor pursuits. This is an important aspect because tourism activities in the Valley are currently highly dependent on good weather. With the new bathing infrastructure, Cevio would be able to guarantee a wellness-oriented offer throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.
When the uniqueness of the experience aligns with the health and vitality of a region
The upper Maggia Valley has a low level of intrinsic development potential, but it can benefit from its proximity to Locarno and Ascona, which are only 30 km away and, thanks to their mild climate—with an average of more than 2,300 hours of sunshine per year and typically Mediterranean summers—are counted among the most desirable and frequented tourist areas in Switzerland. Owing to its strategic position close to the urban fabric, this peripheral mountain community therefore has a concrete opportunity to revitalize itself by integrating into the tourism offer of the Locarno region and by creating significant economic synergies that could counteract the depopulation trend affecting peripheral areas for many years.
This project, perfectly integrated and tailored to the needs of the local context, therefore represents the vital focal point in which to invest, thanks to its high strategic value in a peripheral area. Investing in the Lido Alpino Vallemaggia stimulates the following positive returns:
…increase in tourist flows and extension of the tourist season
The creation of an attractive alpine lido can significantly increase the visitors flow to this peripheral region and contribute to extending the tourist season. Thanks to the offer of indoor swimming pools, a spa, a bistro, and camper parking, the Lido becomes an ideal destination not only for hikers but also for all those who enjoy relaxation. The facility could also increase the length of visitors’ stays in the valley, thereby limiting the well-known phenomenon of “hit-and-run” tourism.
…promotion of well-being, health, and intergenerational interaction
The creation of an attractive alpine lido can significantly increase the visitors flow to this peripheral region and contribute to extending the tourist season. Thanks to the offer of indoor swimming pools, a spa, a bistro, and camper parking, the Lido becomes an ideal destination not only for hikers but also for all those who enjoy relaxation. The facility could also increase the length of visitors’ stays in the valley, thereby limiting the well-known phenomenon of “hit-and-run” tourism.
…life in the valleys
Peripheral alpine areas are confronted with the issue of depopulation and the emergence of so-called dormitory settlements. The vitality of the upper Maggia Valley can be maintained thanks to gathering places such as the new Lido, which allow families to socialize and experience the territory without the need to travel to urban centres.
…development of the local economic spillover
Commercial businesses, restaurants, hotels, craft shops, and transport services will benefit from the increase in the number of visitors, creating a virtuous cycle of economic growth. This also relates to the potential revival of the rental market for second homes, for which the range of available services would be expanded.
…organization of events and sports activities
The Lido will be able to host sporting events, courses, and recreational activities, attracting not only tourists but also residents. This will not only increase the visibility and attractiveness of the area but will also offer opportunities for collaboration and synergies.
…real estate revaluation
The creation of a high-quality alpine lido would lead to a revaluation of the local real estate market, altering the framework conditions in the area. This would encourage new investments and improvements in local infrastructure, making the region more attractive for young families and entrepreneurs.
Investment and financing
Around the realization of the Lido Alpino Vallemaggia, there has been significant support both from the Canton and from the municipalities of the Locarno and Maggia Valley regions, which recognize its regional importance.
According to the preliminary project, the total investment for the construction of the Lido Alpino Vallemaggia amounts to CHF 9 million (+/- 20%). This amount will need to be largely secured before the start of construction in order to ensure the sustainability of the investment in the medium and long term.
The Canton of Ticino guarantees 50% of the total investment, in particular through funding from the Regional Economic Policy (PER) and other sectoral policies. The remaining 50% is the responsibility of the Municipality of Cevio. This is a significant investment that the Cevio and Vallemaggia communities are not able to support on their own.
Currently, the project has already received the following funding commitments:
- CHF 800’000 from the municipalities of Vallemaggia through the Vallemaggia Territorio Vivo Foundation
- CHF 250’000 from the Officine Idroelettriche della Maggia SA (Ofima)
- CHF 25’000 from the Lago Maggiore and Valleys Tourist Organization
- CHF 25’000 from the Lago Maggiore Tourism Foundation
Therefore, at least CHF 3.4 mio still need to be raised thanks to the generosity of benefactors.
Management
For the operational management of the Lido Alpino Vallemaggia, the Municipality intends to rely on a strategic partner with the necessary experience and skills, capable of maximizing synergies, ensuring solid management expertise gained over years of experience, and providing real added value.
Some contacts have already been established with Lido Locarno, but the possibility of expanding the circle to other potential sector partners is not excluded. Considerations are also underway regarding the management of the bistro and the camper area. The objective is to find an ideal compromise between service profitability, functionality, and added value for the local population.
The costs of the investment are strongly correlated with the successful outcome of this fundraising campaign, because the greater the contributions received as non-repayable grants, the lower the amortization and interest costs to be borne by the current management.
All the municipalities of Vallemaggia, together with the Municipality of Cevio, commit to jointly ensuring long-term operational continuity and to assume any potential management deficits. The Municipality of Cevio has set the responsible objective of carrying out the investment only if it is possible to contain the costs within a reasonable margin, using as a reference the former swimming pool of Bignasco, which was decommissioned in 2020.
Next steps
The Municipality is preparing to start the detailed design phase and, at the same time, has begun the search for the necessary capital to finance the investment.
This fundamental project can only be realized if its economic sustainability is ensured through coverage of the initial investment. To guarantee this sustainability, the Municipality of Cevio has therefore undertaken the search for potential benefactors who care about the future of our community and the history represented by our mountain territory.
Why support this project?
Believe in and invest in the Lido Alpino Vallemaggia means contributing to the revitalization of a peripheral area with high territorial value; it means making a concrete investment in the future of the new generations living in the mountains; it means promoting quality of life, health, and well-being in an alpine peripheral area, for the benefit of both visitors and residents.
In this sense, we address those who are interested in positively impacting the socio-economic development of an enterprising mountain community that is open to the future, through a project that best combines the interests of the local population and the guests visiting the region, promoting physical activity, socialization, and well-being.
We are pleased to be at your disposal for any further information and to personally present this interesting project to you.
The Municipality of Cevio
Gabriele Scarpelli, Romana Rotanzi (Deputy Mayor), Wanda Dadò (Mayor), Dusca Schindler, Giuseppe De Nuccio
How to support the project
Bank account details for the dedicated project account:
CH52 8080 8008 2471 1677 5
Municipality of Cevio
Via Pretorio 4 6675 Cevio
