TicinoSentieri: new appointments for 2026

Roland David is the new president and Stéphane Grounauer the operational director. Two new committee appointments also approved.

Contesto

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...

Dettagli operativi

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,...

Punti chiave

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 i...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"Who is the new president of TicinoSentieri?","a":"Roland David is the new president of TicinoSentieri, elected unanimously by the shareholders' assembly."},{"q":"What are the new appointments in the committee?","a":"Fabienne Lanini and Andrea Stella are the new committee members, while Mattia Soldati and Ilaria Jam have been appointed honorary members."},{"q":"What are the future projects of TicinoSentieri?","a":"TicinoSentieri plans to improve trail maintenance and offer more varied hiking routes thanks to the reconstruction works funded by the 2024-2027 Framework Credit."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new president of TicinoSentieri?
Roland David is the new president of TicinoSentieri, elected unanimously by the shareholders' assembly.
What are the new appointments in the committee?
Fabienne Lanini and Andrea Stella are the new committee members, while Mattia Soldati and Ilaria Jam have been appointed honorary members.
What are the future projects of TicinoSentieri?
TicinoSentieri plans to improve trail maintenance and offer more varied hiking routes thanks to the reconstruction works funded by the 2024-2027 Framework Credit.

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