“The Ultimate Active Experience in the Dolomites”

Rifugi – or mountain huts or refuges in English – are the classic accommodation for hikers, climbers, mountaineers, and ski mountaineers in the Alps. Set in spectacular locations high in the Dolomites, rifugi are accessible only on foot (with a few exceptions that are reachable by car). These marvelous establishments are open primarily in the summer, with a select few in winter, and offer meals and sleeping facilities.

The Dolomite rifugi are considered the best in the Alps. While some are dormitory style with bunk beds, many meet the standard of a simple guest house with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms, and each has its own unique character and charm. Bedding and linens are provided, hot showers are available, and meals are served in common dining areas – like a small mountain inn set high in the mountains with the most incredible vistas in the Dolomites. Whether you’re hiking in summer or skiing in winter, an overnight rifugio stay is not to miss on a Dolomite holiday.

Rifugio Lagazuoi, Cortina d'Ampezzo Perched at 2,752 meters (9,029'), Rifugio Lagazuoi is one of the highest rifugi in the Dolomites. On its patios you feel as though you're sitting at the edge of the world – with 360° views of the surrounding mountains including Marmolada (3,342m / 10,964') and Antelao (3,264m / 10,709'), the two highest peaks of the Dolomites. Nestled on the summit of Mount Lagazuoi above Passo Falzarego, Rifugio Lagazuoi is strategically positioned for innumerable adventures. It is situated at the top of the Lagazuoi cable car, along the Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 9, and between the Natural Parks of Fanes and Sennes and the d'Ampezzo Dolomites. From here you can explore the restored galleries, trenches, and emplacements of the Open Air Museum of the Great War. It is also the perfect lodging for skiing in the Cortina and Badia valleys and along the famous Armentarola, the longest and most spectacular slope of the Dolomites.

Rifugio Fodara Vedla / Fodara Vedla Hütte, San Vigilio di Marebbe, Val Badia Rifugio Fodara Vedla is located at the heart of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park at 1,965 meters (6,447'), in a vast, green basin used as mountain pasture in the summer. It is strategically located along the Alta Via 1, and is an ideal destination for hiking and mountain biking as well as snowshoeing and ski touring. At this rifugio you will enjoy the sincere hospitality of a traditional family business. The friendliness of the Mutschlechner family finds its source in their patriarch Arthur Mutschlechner, a pioneer of rifugio development in the Dolomites and builder of one of the first refuges for skiers in 1928. The current rifugio was built in 1980, and sleeps 42 in private and dormitory style rooms. The alpine air here makes you really hungry, so you’ll be thrilled to find the cooking at the Fodara Vedla is outstanding!  Here you will be spoiled with crispy salads from the rifugio’s garden, handmade pasta dishes, and Tyrolean specialties, all served in the comfortable wooden stuben. 

Rifugio Fanes, San Vigilio di Marebbe, Val Badia
Rifugio Fanes (2,060m / 6,759') lies deep within the Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park, just beneath the Limo Pass (2,172m / 7,126'). The rifugio is accessible not only to hikers and skiers along the Alta Via 1, but to 4WD vehicles, snow-cats, and snowmobiles on an old military road that connects Pederü with Cortina d'Ampezzo. In both summer and winter, the terrace is a wonderful place to relax – protected from the wind, it offers a splendid view of the Tofane Mountains and unspoiled surroundings. Meals are served in a traditional stube, furnished in wood with a beautiful white and blue majolica oven featured in the center of the room. The refuge was built in 1928 by the Mutschlechner family, who were pioneers in hospitality, alpinist safety, and innovation; everywhere you can see pictures, newspaper articles, war remnants, and old mountaineering equipment on display. Today, managed by Max and Petra Mutschlechner, the hut uses solar power and is considered one of the best-equipped and most efficient huts in the entire alpine chain. 

Rifugio Franz Kostner, Corvara in Alta Badia Perched atop a natural rock balcony at 2,536 meters (8,320'), Rifugio Kostner offers incomparable views of some of the most famous Dolomites’ peaks, including Marmolada (2,950m / 9,678') and Antelao (3,264m / 10,709'), the two highest in the Dolomites. In addition to its spectacular views, the rifugio is an excellent base camp for the vie ferrate Piz da Lech, Vallon, and Piazzetta, among the most renown in the Dolomites, as well as classic climbing pitches and numerous hikes on and around the Sella Massif. Easily accessible via a 20-minute hike from the top of the Boé gondola and Vallon chair lift, Kostner is a small, but cozy rifugio that provides a comfortable stay. Built in 1988, it is owned by the CAI (Club Alpino Italiano or Italian Alpine Club) and has been managed by Manuel and Cristina Agreiter since it opened. Early risers here can watch the sunlight glide along the mountain walls behind the refuge as it rises, putting on an amazing show each morning!

Rifugio Fuciade, Val di Fassa Perched at 1,982meters (6,503'), Rifugio Fuciade is a beautiful little mountain inn located on the shoulder of the Passo San Pellegrino, at the foot of the imposing Cima Uomo. It is in an excellent position for both summer and winter excursions – just a 45-minute hike from a car park, and right next to the ski slopes! And in summer, guests can relax or dine on the ample wood terrace and enjoy its wonderful views of Pale di San Martino. The rifugio was built in the early sixties by three priests who wanted to establish a refuge to offer meals to passersby. In 1983, Sergio Rossi, grandchild of one of the priests, refurbished and expanded the rifugio, creating a wonderful environment with attention to every detail. With accommodations for just 20 guests in private rooms with en suite facilities, you’ll be delighted by the personal touches and care you receive here. But the real highlight here is the restaurant, with delicious local specialties made using local and Mediterranean ingredients, and an evocative cellar filled with fine wines and grappa.

Note: This is a sample of the rifugi or mountain inns that we use for our tours. While these exact rifugi are featured on many Itineraries, we may also reserve other mountain inns of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Dolomite Mountains custom custom adventure, an accommodations list has been sent to you with your detailed itinerary. Please contact us if you have any questions about the exact accommodations we recommend for any of our trips.

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