Plizio Visual Lab

Piz Terri

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

peak

Weather…

Piz Terri is a prominent mountain peak in the Adula Alps, reaching an elevation of 3,149 meters above sea level. It stands on the border between the Swiss cantons of Graubünden and Ticino, overlooking the pristine Greina Plateau. Geologically, the mountain is characterized by its dark shale formations, which give it a distinct pyramidal shape and a dark, imposing appearance. The first recorded ascent took place in 1801 by the Benedictine monk Placidus a Spescha, a pioneer of alpine exploration in the region. Mountaineers typically use the Terri Hut, located at 2,170 meters, as a base for their summit attempts. From the top, the peak features expansive views of the Lago di Luzzone reservoir and the surrounding high-altitude terrain. Today, the area is recognized as a protected moorland of national importance, preserving a unique ecosystem within the Central Alps.

Location: Switzerland
Nearby: Vals (12 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-8	-8	-4	1	6	11	12	12	8	4	-2	-7
Rain mm	74	66	87	111	162	163	156	181	120	122	133	89

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Piz Terri lies on the border between Graubünden and Ticino and is accessible via Valle di Blenio or the Greina plateau. Access is often made by driving to Vrin or Olivone as starting points.

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Best season

The main season for ascents is summer from July to September, when most paths are free of snow. In winter, climbing requires significant alpine experience and appropriate specialized equipment.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain is high alpine and includes rocky ridges, steep flanks, and partly wide high plateaus in the area. Hikers must be surefooted, as the summit climb leads over challenging and rugged rock.

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What to bring

Sturdy mountain boots, weatherproof clothing, and sun protection are indispensable for this tour. Taking enough water is important, as there are hardly any natural springs available along the ridges.

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Parking

Parking spaces are available in Vrin (Graubünden) or Olivone (Ticino), often at the terminal stations of the mountain buses. From these locations, mostly multi-day hikes to the summit begin.

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Safety

Hikers should watch out for falling rocks and exercise special caution in case of poor visibility. In the Greina region, the weather can change quickly, which can make a retreat more difficult and risky.

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Time needed

A full ascent usually takes eight to ten hours if starting directly from the valley. Therefore, an overnight stay at the Terri Hut or Motterascio Hut is often recommended to manage the distance.

Geography

Coordinates

46.65000, 9.03000

Facts

The official summit height is 3,149 meters above sea level.
It sits on the continental divide between the Rhine and Po river basins.
The first recorded ascent was completed in 1801 by Placidus a Spescha.
The mountain is primarily composed of dark Bündner shale rock.
The Terri Hut (Terrihütte) provides accommodation for up to 110 people.
Piz Terri is part of the Greina region, a landscape of national significance in Switzerland.