Lago di Robièi, reservoir
Lago di Robièi is a reservoir in the alpine highlands of Ticino, sitting at about 1900 meters (6200 feet) in elevation. The lake is surrounded by rocky slopes and smaller water bodies, and was created by damming to provide water storage for hydroelectric power generation.
The lake formed long ago from glacial melting that left a natural basin, which was later dammed to create the current reservoir. The structure was built to supply water for hydroelectric power and drinking water needs of nearby communities.
The name Robièi refers to the local landscape and high altitude of this place. The small settlement with its mountain hut and hotel shows how people have adapted to living and working in these remote alpine surroundings.
A cable car from San Carlo takes about 15 minutes to reach the lake (available June to October), or you can walk the roughly two-hour trail for a more scenic approach. Wear proper footwear and bring layers, as mountain weather changes quickly and conditions can be unpredictable at this elevation.
Nearby sits the Basodino Glacier, whose ice fields shape the landscape and make hikes feel like genuine alpine exploration with unusual geological features. A dedicated glaciology path offers 360-degree views of the glacier zones and provides rare insights into glacial landscapes along an accessible route.
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