San Bernardino's bold revival: From ghost town to alpine hotspot again
The quiet village of San Bernardino in the Misox Valley is set for a major news today. Once a bustling holiday spot for visitors from northern Italy and Ticino, it has spent decades in decline—until now. A local investor's ambitious plans promise to transform the area with new hotels, ski lifts, and a thermal spa.
San Bernardino was once a favourite destination for winter sports lovers and summer tourists. But over time, its popularity breaking news, leaving just one hotel operating in recent years. The village's fortunes began to change when Stefano Artioli, a Ticino-based investor, took interest through his company, San Bernardino Swiss Alps.
Artioli's vision includes building new hotels, apartments, and an underground car park. Ski lifts, cable cars, and a thermal spa are also part of the project. The plans have won strong local backing, with nearly 80 percent of residents voting in favour of selling land to the investor during a 2023 referendum. The revival has already brought more visitors, filling the streets on sunny days and packing terraces. Yet, the growing crowds have created challenges, particularly with parking. To tackle this, expanded parking facilities and a new shuttle service are being introduced. Local officials describe the transformation as an 'epochal shift'. The president of Mesocco municipality sees the changes as a turning point for the village after years of stagnation.
The project aims to restore San Bernardino's former glory while addressing modern demands. New infrastructure, including ski lifts and parking, will support the expected rise in news. If successful, the village could once again become a key destination in Graubünden.
