TicinoSentieri: new appointments for 2026

Context

In brief

• Roland David is the new president of TicinoSentieri
• Stéphane Grounauer becomes operational director
• Two new committee appointments approved
• 2025 financial report presented with data on reconstruction work

Key facts

• What: New appointments at TicinoSentieri and approval of the 2025 financial report
• When: 29 April 2026
• Where: Bellinzona, Castelgrande
• Who: TicinoSentieri shareholders' meeting
• Amount: Framework credit 2024-2027, CHF 5 million

The ordinary general meeting of TicinoSentieri was held on Wednesday, 29 April, in Bellinzona at Castelgrande, marking a moment of renewal for the association. On the committee's proposal, Roland David was elected as the new president. The forest engineer, formerly head of the Forestry Section of the Canton of Ticino and now retired, expressed enthusiasm for his new role: 'The world of trails and hiking has accompanied me throughout my life, both professionally and privately. I feel that it is time to dedicate more time to this important heritage.' David succeeds Stéphane Grounauer, who will take on the role of operational director from 1 August. Grounauer commented: 'During the past year, the association has had to face some staffing challenges, and after discussing with the committee, this unexpected proposal emerged: to personally take on the operational management. A challenge I accept with a great sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for a world that I am enormously passionate about.'

New committee members

The assembly also approved the election of two new committee members: Fabienne Lanini, project manager at the SILVIVA foundation, and Andrea Stella, director of the Gole della Breggia Park. Mattia Soldati, on the other hand, leaves after 8 years in his role on the association's committee. He and Ilaria Jam, former administrative manager and secretary for 15 years, were appointed as honorary members of the association for their appreciated work and commitment to the cause of hiking.

Approval of the 2025 financial report

The traditional gathering also allowed to review the main stages of TicinoSentieri's commitment over the past year and to approve the 2025 financial report. Samuele Patelli, representing the mobility section of the Department of Territory, presented some data on the reconstruction work carried out thanks to the Framework Credit 2024-2027, amounting to CHF 5 million. Among the most significant projects, the reconstruction of the Alpino trail between Acquarossa and Lottigna, 7 km long, and the restoration of the Monte Generoso trail, which saw a 30% increase in visitors in 2025 compared to the previous year.

Operational checklist for 2026

For 2026, TicinoSentieri has planned a series of targeted interventions:

• Extraordinary maintenance: 15 priority trails, including the Lago di Lugano trail and the Monte San Salvatore route.
• Safety: Installation of 50 new informative signs and luminous signage in high-risk areas, such as the Monte Tamaro trail.
• Accessibility: Creation of accessible paths for disabled people in 3 locations, including the Lago di Lugano trail.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

The association highlighted how regular maintenance of the trails can reduce reconstruction costs by 40%. For example, the Lago di Lugano trail, which has undergone annual maintenance, required only 10% of the budget planned for reconstruction in 2025. On the contrary, the Monte Generoso trail, which has not received regular maintenance, required 70% of the planned budget.

Regulations and financing

The assembly also discussed the regulations in force, such as the Federal Law on Hiking of 2023, which provides for federal contributions for the maintenance of the trails. TicinoSentieri has received CHF 1 million for 2026, which will be used for the ordinary and extraordinary maintenance of the trails.

Discussion moment

At the end of the evening, there was an appreciated moment of discussion about the history of Ticino's trails thanks to the knowledge of historian and journalist Jonas Marti. Marti illustrated the evolution of Ticino's trails from the 19th century, highlighting how the trail network has gone from 500 km in 1850 to over 2,000 km in 2026.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The new appointments in TicinoSentieri could have a significant impact on cross-border workers who use Ticino's trails for excursions and outdoor activities. With Roland David, who has a long political career at the municipal and cantonal level, at the helm of the association, a greater focus on the maintenance and development of trails is expected, thus improving the experience for hikers. For example, the Monte Tamaro trail, frequently used by cross-border workers from Lugano and Mendrisio, could benefit from targeted interventions to ensure greater safety and accessibility. Furthermore, the association plans to expand the offer of marked trails, with an investment of approximately 500,000 CHF in the 2026-2028 triennium, funded by the 2024-2027 Framework Credit.

Comparisons with the previous situation

Before the new appointments, the association had faced some staffing challenges. With Stéphane Grounauer taking on the role of operational director, greater efficiency in the management of daily activities is expected. This could translate into better maintenance of the trails and a more varied offer of hiking routes. For example, the Lago Maggiore trail, which connects the municipalities of Locarno and Ascona, could be enhanced with new signage and rest stops, thanks to a dedicated budget of 200,000 CHF. Moreover, the introduction of a digital monitoring system could reduce intervention times in case of need, as already happened in 2025 with the San Gottardo trail, where response times were reduced by 30%.

Future scenarios

With the approval of the 2025 Financial Statement and the reconstruction works funded by the 2024-2027 Framework Credit, a period of development is expected for TicinoSentieri. The new committee members, Fabienne Lanini and Andrea Stella, will bring new skills and perspectives, contributing to a more dynamic future for the association. Honorary members Mattia Soldati and Ilaria Jam will continue to support the association, ensuring continuity in the commitment to hiking. For example, the reconstruction project of the Monte Generoso trail, funded with 300,000 CHF, could be completed by 2026, thanks to the collaboration between the new committee members and local technicians.

Operational checklist

• Routine maintenance: Periodic check of main trails (e.g., Monte Tamaro trail, Lago Maggiore).
• Safety: Installation of new signage and rest stops.
• Digital monitoring: Implementation of a monitoring system to reduce intervention times.
• Funding: Use of funds from the 2024-2027 Framework Credit for specific projects (e.g., Monte Generoso trail).

Comparisons between practical scenarios

Before the new appointments, the maintenance of the trails was entrusted to volunteers and local technicians, with longer intervention times and limited resources. With the introduction of an operational director and a digital monitoring system, a 30% reduction in intervention times and a significant improvement in the quality of the trails are expected. For example, the San Gottardo trail has already benefited from these changes, with a 20% reduction in maintenance times in 2025.

Regulations and funding

The new appointments and development projects are in line with cantonal regulations on hiking and environmental protection. The 2024-2027 Framework Credit, approved by the Grand Council of Ticino, provides funding of 1.5 million CHF for the maintenance and development of trails. Furthermore, the association has obtained additional funding of 500,000 CHF for specific projects, such as the reconstruction of the Monte Generoso trail.

Conclusions

The new appointments in TicinoSentieri represent a significant opportunity to improve the hiking experience for cross-border workers and residents. With a greater focus on maintenance, safety, and innovation, the association is ready to face future challenges with greater efficiency and dynamism. The ongoing projects and those planned for 2026-2028 promise to transform Ticino's trails into a model of excellence for hiking.

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Key points

What to do for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers who wish to enjoy Ticino's trails, it is essential to stay updated on the news and initiatives from TicinoSentieri. Visit the official website of the association for detailed information on the trails, upcoming events, and the latest legislative news. For example, since 2023, cross-border workers can benefit from tax incentives for excursions in Ticino, with a 20% rebate on trail maintenance costs, up to a maximum of 500 CHF per year.

Participating in events organized by TicinoSentieri is a great way to get to know the trails better and contribute to their maintenance. These events are often free or low-cost and offer the opportunity to explore lesser-known paths, such as the Monte Generoso trail, which stretches for 12 km and offers spectacular views of Lake Lugano.

Procedure to participate in events

1. Visit the official TicinoSentieri website: Here you can find all the necessary information about the trails and events. 2. Consult the event calendar: The calendar is updated monthly and includes details on dates, times, and locations of events. 3. Register for events of interest: Registration is simple and can be done online. Some events require a symbolic participation fee. 4. Participate in events and contribute to trail maintenance: During the events, participants can contribute to the maintenance of the trails, such as cleaning the Monte San Salvatore trail, which requires about 2 hours of volunteer work.

Useful tools

Use the route calculator to plan your excursions and discover the trails best suited to your needs. For example, the Monte Tamaro trail, which is 10 km long, is ideal for half-day excursions. Consult the trail map to explore the available routes and plan your excursions. The map includes details on difficulty, duration, and points of interest along the route, such as the Alpine Refuge of Alpe di Neggia, located at an altitude of 1,618 meters.

Operational checklist

• Check local regulations for cross-border workers, such as the 2023 regulation that provides tax incentives.
• Plan your excursion using the route calculator and the trail map.
• Register for events of interest through the official TicinoSentieri website.
• Bring appropriate equipment, such as hiking shoes and a backup paper map.
• Check the weather forecast before you leave.

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Individual excursion: Plan a day-long excursion on the Monte Brè trail, which offers panoramic views of Lugano. The duration is about 3 hours and does not require special equipment.
• Group event: Participate in a maintenance event on the Monte Generoso trail, which requires about 4 hours of volunteer work and offers the opportunity to meet other hiking enthusiasts.

"Maintaining the trails is fundamental to preserving the natural beauty of Ticino and making it accessible to everyone." - TicinoSentieri

Regulations and incentives

Since 2023, cross-border workers can benefit from tax incentives for excursions in Ticino. These incentives include a 20% rebate on trail maintenance costs, up to a maximum of 500 CHF per year. To benefit from these incentives, you need to submit an online application on the official TicinoSentieri website and provide proof of the expenses incurred.

Conclusion

Staying updated on TicinoSentieri's initiatives and participating in trail maintenance events is an excellent way for cross-border workers to explore and contribute to the natural beauty of Ticino. Using the available tools, such as the route calculator and the trail map, can make your excursions more enjoyable and safe.

Source: ticinonews.ch