REFUGES

Alpine refuges and huts have something unique — high-altitude hotels lost in the middle of nature. Stay for the sunset and for the night to get the full experience.

Perhaps one of the most famous mountain huts in Lombardy: Rifugio Gianetti in Val Masino, which almost blends in with the surrounding granite slabs.

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Alpine refuges have something unique. Try to explain the concept to those who have never been to the mountains: slightly rough hotels? Hostels for hikers? Official polenta and wine retailers?

Little patches of humanity in the middle of uninhabited valleys and remote plateaus, alpine refuges provide refreshment during the day and shelter at night for multi-day excursions.

Most refuges in the Alps open around June 5th and close at the end of September. Some of the more accessible refuges are open on weekends all year round, but it's always best to check.

Although stuck in tradition, many refuges are undergoing transformations. Some new refuges, curated by architects, offer unusual structures. Others are "rejuvenating" themselves with outdoor gazebos and deck chairs.

THE BEST HIKES IN THIS CATEGORY

Rifugio Firenze and Seceda, balcony overlooking the Odle

Perhaps the best excursion of all the Dolomites, enclosed between mountain pastures and vertical walls.

5:00 h

15km

880

Glacier d'Orny and Cabanne du Trient

Excursion to the imposing Orny Glacier, in the Mont Blanc group

6:00 h

13km

970

Rifugio Bertone and Testa della Tronche, balcony on Mont Blanc

In Val Ferret, on a grassy ridge in front of the colossal views of the Mont Blanc.

6:30 h

16km

1010

Cima Brenta tour from Molveno (2 days)

A two-day ring to discover the incredible rocky balcony of the Brenta Dolomites.

2.00 h

33km

2390

Rifugio Valasco, Rifugio Questa, and the military mule tracks of Valscura

In the Upper Gesso Valley, incredible military roads, crystal clear lakes of Valscura and Claus, and two historic refuges.

7:00 h

20km

1020

Monte Fortin and Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini in Val Veny

A sensational panoramic terrace overlooking Mont Blanc and the Himalayan Miage Glacier.

7:30 h

21km

1190

From the Alpe di Siusi to the Bolzano allo Sciliar refuge

Walking on the Alpe di Siusi and Sciliar plateaus, among the most famous in the Dolomites.

7:00 h

21km

1000

The Road of 52 Tunnels in Pasubio

A visit to Rifugio Achille Papa and the Sacred Area of Pasubio, passing through the spectacular Strada delle 52 Gallerie

7:00 h

17km

1130

Lakes, glaciers and waterfalls in the Rutor Valley

Excursion to the Deffeyes Refuge via the Rutor Waterfalls, in front of the Rutor Glacier.

7:30 h

20km

1070

Zamboni Zappa refuge at the Belvedere Glacier

At the foot of the 4000 meters of Monte Rosa, the excursion to the Rifugio Zamboni Zappa is a glaciological tour.

5.30 h

13km

870

At the Barbustel Refuge, in the heart of the Monte Avic Natural Park

Crystal clear lakes and larch forests with a North American feel, in less than 3 hours of walking. The fastest excursion to the Barbustel refuge.

4.30 h

9.6km

700

Via delle Creste Orientali del Resegone

A fun ridge path that runs along the dolomitic towers of Resegone.

5:00 h

12km

920

Ring of the Benigni refuge and the Trona and Zancone lakes

A long itinerary in the Alta Val Gerola, passing a refuge, 4 lakes, and some ibex.

6:00 h

15km

970

From the Resinelli Plans to the Rosalba Refuge

One of the most classic destinations in the Lombardy Prealps. Dolomite-style views, an hour's drive from Milan.

3:00 h

6km

530

Monte Grona and Monte Bregagno

On the grassy ridge between Monte Grona and Bregagno, face to face with Lake Como.

6:00 h

13km

1120

Puez refuge and Val Longia ring

Circular hike on a balcony overlooking the Val Longia gorge.

6:30 h

16km

1030

Gianetti Refuge in Val Masino

An obligatory stop in the mountains of Lombardy, in the presence of the granite giants of Val Masino.

7:30 h

15km

1480

Bertacchi Refuge at Lake Emet

At Lake Emet, an almost perfectly circular lake, overlooking the Spluga Valley.

5:00 h

11km

990

Boval Hut at the Morteratsch Glacier

In front of the Bernina, in an imposing glacial environment.

5:00 h

14km

640

Gerli Porro Refuge and Ventina Glaciological Path

Discovering Alpe Ventina, on the trail of a retreating glacier.

3.30h

10km

700

Forno Hut at the Forno Glacier

Long excursion in the Forno Valley, rewarded with views worthy of Patagonia.

8:00 h

21km

1020

Bignami refuge and Marson al Fellaria glaciological path

In the upper Valmalenco, in front of the Fellaria Glacier.

5.30h

15km

670

The balcony of the Wettersteinwand

From Garmisch to Mittenwald, between gorges, Dolomite scenery and postcard-worthy lakes.

12:00 h

32km

1940

REFUGES

Alpine refuges and huts have something unique — high-altitude hotels lost in the middle of nature. Stay for the sunset and for the night to get the full experience.

THE BEST HIKES IN THIS CATEGORY

Rifugio Firenze and Seceda, balcony overlooking the Odle

Perhaps the best excursion of all the Dolomites, enclosed between mountain pastures and vertical walls.

Glacier d'Orny and Cabanne du Trient

Excursion to the imposing Orny Glacier, in the Mont Blanc group

Rifugio Bertone and Testa della Tronche, balcony on Mont Blanc

In Val Ferret, on a grassy ridge in front of the colossal views of the Mont Blanc.

Cima Brenta tour from Molveno (2 days)

A two-day ring to discover the incredible rocky balcony of the Brenta Dolomites.

Rifugio Valasco, Rifugio Questa, and the military mule tracks of Valscura

In the Upper Gesso Valley, incredible military roads, crystal clear lakes of Valscura and Claus, and two historic refuges.

Monte Fortin and Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini in Val Veny

A sensational panoramic terrace overlooking Mont Blanc and the Himalayan Miage Glacier.

From the Alpe di Siusi to the Bolzano allo Sciliar refuge

Walking on the Alpe di Siusi and Sciliar plateaus, among the most famous in the Dolomites.

The Road of 52 Tunnels in Pasubio

A visit to Rifugio Achille Papa and the Sacred Area of Pasubio, passing through the spectacular Strada delle 52 Gallerie

Lakes, glaciers and waterfalls in the Rutor Valley

Excursion to the Deffeyes Refuge via the Rutor Waterfalls, in front of the Rutor Glacier.

Zamboni Zappa refuge at the Belvedere Glacier

At the foot of the 4000 meters of Monte Rosa, the excursion to the Rifugio Zamboni Zappa is a glaciological tour.

At the Barbustel Refuge, in the heart of the Monte Avic Natural Park

Crystal clear lakes and larch forests with a North American feel, in less than 3 hours of walking. The fastest excursion to the Barbustel refuge.

Via delle Creste Orientali del Resegone

A fun ridge path that runs along the dolomitic towers of Resegone.

Ring of the Benigni refuge and the Trona and Zancone lakes

A long itinerary in the Alta Val Gerola, passing a refuge, 4 lakes, and some ibex.

From the Resinelli Plans to the Rosalba Refuge

One of the most classic destinations in the Lombardy Prealps. Dolomite-style views, an hour's drive from Milan.

Monte Grona and Monte Bregagno

On the grassy ridge between Monte Grona and Bregagno, face to face with Lake Como.

Puez refuge and Val Longia ring

Circular hike on a balcony overlooking the Val Longia gorge.

Gianetti Refuge in Val Masino

An obligatory stop in the mountains of Lombardy, in the presence of the granite giants of Val Masino.

Bertacchi Refuge at Lake Emet

At Lake Emet, an almost perfectly circular lake, overlooking the Spluga Valley.

Boval Hut at the Morteratsch Glacier

In front of the Bernina, in an imposing glacial environment.

Gerli Porro Refuge and Ventina Glaciological Path

Discovering Alpe Ventina, on the trail of a retreating glacier.

Forno Hut at the Forno Glacier

Long excursion in the Forno Valley, rewarded with views worthy of Patagonia.

Bignami refuge and Marson al Fellaria glaciological path

In the upper Valmalenco, in front of the Fellaria Glacier.

The balcony of the Wettersteinwand

From Garmisch to Mittenwald, between gorges, Dolomite scenery and postcard-worthy lakes.

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