Dolomites Refuge Dolomites Rifugio
Huts

The Dolomites have a large number of refuges spread over 9 mountain groups, between 1500 and over 3000 meters above sea level, for a total of 66 refuges. Some are easily accessible, near ski lifts or along mountain roads, while others are located at higher altitudes or in less accessible valleys and require long hikes to reach. For example, the Punta Penia refuge, located on the summit of the Marmolada at 3343 meters, can be reached in three ways: by the normal route along the glacier, by the via ferrata of the western ridge, or by climbing the challenging south face. More or less accessible, the huts are indispensable landmarks for those who want to explore these mountains.

Dolomite refuges have a well-deserved reputation for being the coziest in the Alps: especially those with easy access, they are often B&B-like, with common rooms for 3-6 people and shared bathrooms with hot showers. Some Dolomites refugio have double rooms with private bathrooms. The dining rooms are warm and comfortable spaces: you will be amazed how the presence of wood adds warmth to the magic of the sunsets that can be enjoyed from there.
It is important to remember that the specific location of a Dolomites refuge directly affects its opening season and the type of services it can offer. In the Dolomites, the refuges open around June 20th and close around September 20th. However, some of them may be open before or after these dates, especially on weekends, depending on weather conditions. During the winter, many huts remain open, not only those on the slopes, but also some huts that can only be reached by touring skis or snowshoes. Finding a warm and cozy hut in the winter makes traverses in the Dolomites highly recommended. Refuges offer food service with hearty dinners and lunches, and sometimes surprising “luxuries” like high-altitude beer! You can also buy packed lunches, bars and chocolates to take with you on your trek. A sleeping bag is not required for overnight stays in the huts (you will find comfortable blankets or duvets), but a duffel bag is required, which can be purchased in outdoor stores or often directly at the hut.

Comfort and hospitality can make us forget that not everything is possible at altitude and that we must respect the nature of these places. An example is the availability of water (potable and non-potable). Some Dolomites refuges have easy access to springs or alpine lakes and offer water of excellent quality (only if it comes from a spring) and showers. Other refuges rely on scarce and hard-to-find resources, so showers are only available at certain times.
What about no laundry? This is not always possible, but we recommend not worrying too much about it. Living in nature, immersing ourselves in the majesty of these mountains, sharing our days with new friends, will more than make us forget what we lack, it will make us appreciate what we have: a good meal, a cold beer and a warm and cozy place, thanks to those who, the refuge managers, dedicate their lives to preserving the authenticity of these places.

The choice of the Dolomite hut depends mainly on the activity you are planning. If the goal is to climb a specific peak, the hut chosen will be the one closest to the starting point of the ascent. On the other hand, if you are planning a trip of several days, it is possible to plan your stay in stages between the various refuges: in summer with hiking or climbing via ferratas, in winter with ski safaris or hut-to-hut ski touring.
In conclusion, knowing what to expect from a Dolomites refuge is essential to prepare for the best, but the most important thing is that the Rifugio you choose is functional to your needs and the activity you want to do. The Dolomites offer a wide range of refuges for every type of experience, so that everyone can enjoy the mountains in safety and comfort