Alta Via 1 Rifugios
Learn everything you need to know about mountain huts in the Dolomites, and check out all the Alta Via 1 rifugios that you will stay at during your hike.
The Dolomites boast an extensive network of mountain huts, or as Italians call them — ‘rifugios’, which is Italian for refuges.
Some have been around since WW1, serving as warehouses or posts. Therefore, they are not just a place to rest and refuel, but also an essential piece of the local culture.
Best mountain huts along Alta Via 1:
About Alta Via 1 Rifugios
The riguios are particularly significant along the popular Alta Via 1 route, where hut-to-hut hiking has become a bucket-list-worthy experience. Alta Via 1 rifugios are strategically located to offer hikers a much-needed respite.
Nowadays, they serve as a place where hikers can rest their tired legs after strenuous days in the mountains, either stopping for a meal or spending the night. Recently, with hut-to-hut hiking gaining popularity, sleeping and eating in the huts became an experience in itself.
Most mountain huts in the Dolomites are located high up in the mountains, and the only way to reach them is by foot or helicopter. Therefore, comfort and necessities are basic. They are very cozy and give you a feeling of authenticity, but they are incomparable to the hotels and resorts in the valleys.
Some offer private rooms and dormitories, while others offer only the latter. They provide you with blankets and pillows, but you require your own sleeping liner for an overnight stay. Mobile reception varies from hut to hut, while wi-fi is virtually a luxurious addition. Their water supply depends on rain and melting snow, so you should not expect drinkable tap water or showers, either. Some Alta Via 1 rifugios have them, but not all, and especially not at all times.
Nonetheless, the food is delicious. Most huts in the Dolomites serve pasta, polenta, goulash, and other local delicacies. Breakfasts are usually laid out in buffets, while dinners include three courses. As for lunch, you can order it to take with you, or you can stop at one of the huts you will pass while hiking and order something a-la-carte.
Due to snow conditions in the high passes, most huts are open between late-mid June and late September or early October.
If you plan to stay in a mountain hut in the Dolomites, keep in mind that many hikers want to do the same, and more of them every year. Therefore, booking in advance is essential, possibly even half a year before your hike if you want a private room.
Booking one of our Dolomites hiking tours rids you of that stressful assignment as we ensure all your Alta Via 1 rifugios are booked well in advance.
Ratings & Reviews
5.0 average rating
We had a lovely hike today with our guide Klemen. He personalized the tour on our needs and interests, so that we saw places we wouldn't without his experience. The hike was a little bit slippery after the rain from the last days and it went a lot upwards, but it was totally worth it! Thanks again :)
Well organized trip. The travel agents were extremely communicative, provided great service, and made adjustments as needed. The GPS app provided was another highlight. It worked exceptionally well made the trek much easier. The itinerary was thorough and included lots of extra details about the region as well as scaling options. The only drawbacks were that the company is based in Slovenia (doesn't seem to have a presence in South Tyrol), and the cost, which was higher than similar treks from competitors.
Karin Boychyn
his was an amazing trip and we got a lot of valuable information from the agents at huttohuthiking which made it all very easy. We would definitely book another trip through them.
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