Written by: Dan Halim
This year’s RIC (Rassemblement International Canyoning) was hosted in Ticino, Switzerland. For those who haven’t had the privilege of attending a RIC, the way I would describe it is that a RIC is an international meeting of goodwill among canyoneers, intended to build and share skills, friendship, and experiences with each other. It’s an opportunity to meet wonderful people, skilled canyoneers, and learn a lot about canyons in the area and how other people’s experiences in their home canyons influences their gear, choices, and teamwork. Being at a RIC is nothing short of fun and spectacular, and opportunities abound for those who seek them. This year, canyoneers from all over the world descended into Ticino and were warmly greeted by the Canyonland crew, who hosted the event and handled logistics and planning.
Although I am new to canyoning and attending international RICs, this year’s RIC was clearly a feat of organization, planning, and execution; the Canyonland Staff did a wonderful job with tickets, lodging, food, preparing beta and marking canyons, signup sheets to minimize traffic in canyons, etc, and they did so for people with a wide variety of languages and skillsets. Even the portable bathrooms were impressive in their construction and amenities. The gift bag; I can’t say enough about it – information and beta, a nice Petzl carabiner, a whistle, and even a custom Rodcle wallet. I can’t say enough good things, nor thank the Canyonland crew, enough for all of their hard work and dedication to make this event happen, and happen in an organized, safe, and fun manner.
The canyons were no less impressive. The water level this year was near perfect; low enough to allow people from many different backgrounds to enjoy the canyons safely, but high enough to be fun without being extraordinarily dangerous, as some of these Swiss canyons can be. Approaches were often short and relatively easy by California or Utah standards, and exits were even easier, often dropping you very close to or in front of your car. The number, proximity, and quality of the canyons in the area is world-class by any definition; within an hour’s drive, you could easily reach over a dozen (and that’s an undercount) spectacular and beautiful canyons, and most of them in easy reach with no exit hikes out. Words can’t really do Ticino justice; what I can say is that these canyons are among the best I’ve ever done, and they are world class and worth visiting.
The people were incredibly kind, helpful, and fun. Canyoneers who work(ed) as professional guides or had professional canyoning training were plentiful and happy to share their experience and knowledge – as were recreational canyoneers with decades of experience canyoning, inventing new techniques, and traveling the world in search for the next canyon. In short, the place was wonderful, the canyons were wonderful, and the people were wonderful.
Less wonderful, but must be mentioned for those aspiring to go to Ticino, was the cost of living. Switzerland is an expensive country with a high cost of living, and those who seek to travel and spend time in Switzerland would do well to do their homework in advance, planning carefully, purchasing mass transit ticket discounts in advance (if appropriate), and practicing their driving and parking skills in tight areas.
Nevertheless, I had a wonderful time in Ticino and at this year’s RIC, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back if I had the opportunity. It’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone and experience new things with new people from different backgrounds, and if our wonderful hosts at Canyonland decide to do it again in the future, I would make every effort to be there.
Image Credits: Lily Miquel Bescansa, Laura Palazzolo, Chase Mueller, Bella Chu, Tiffany Lee Moore, and other US RIC participants