Above the clouds: a guide to mountain huts in Lombardy
Mountain culture runs deep in Lombardy. Few know that the history of Italian mountaineering was born right here: from the first outposts of the late 19th century to today’s high-altitude gourmet spots, Lombardy’s mountain huts offer a front-row seat to majestic peaks, enchanted lakes, and endless skies. Whether you are chasing the perfect sunrise, looking for exceptional local food, or are an experienced mountaineer, here is a journey through the region’s most stunning panoramic balconies.
In the heart of history: the giants of Valtellina
Valtellina is the temple of epic mountaineering, home to historic shelters that shaped Alpine exploration.
- Rifugio Marinelli Bombardieri (2,813 m, Upper Val di Scerscen): the forerunner of all Italian Alpine Club (CAI) huts, dating back to 1880. Reachable from Campo Moro via a 3-hour trek, it is the historic starting point for conquering the Bernina Massif. In summer, the climb to Punta Marinelli (3,181 m) offers unforgettable views over the glaciers.
- Rifugio Quinto Alpini (2,877 m, Valfurva): set within the Stelvio National Park since 1884, this hut is steeped in wartime history and memories of the WWI Alpini troops. It overlooks iconic peaks such as Gran Zebrù and Ortles. The magical touch? You can book a night in the Foxy House, an exclusive wooden cabin perched on a rocky spur.
- Rifugio Gianetti (2,534 m, Val Masino): nestled in Upper Val Porcelizzo beneath the imposing Pizzo Badile, this hut is legendary among climbers worldwide. Here, you can breathe in the history of the famous Via Cassin, first opened in 1937.
Milan’s mountains: from the Grigna to the Resegone
From Milan, the Grigna and Resegone are the local giants, familiar silhouettes promising high-altitude escapes just a stone's throw from the city.
- Rifugio Brioschi (2,410 m, Pasturo): inaugurated in 1895 on the summit of Northern Grigna (Grignone), it acts as a sentinel over the Lecco Prealps. Surrounded by via ferratas, gullies, and the spectacular Traversata Alta trail, reaching the top rewards you with views stretching from the low-lying sea of clouds to the Swiss Alps.
- Rifugio Azzoni (1.875 m, Resegone): perched atop the mountain celebrated by Italian writer Alessandro Manzoni, Azzoni is reachable on foot from Morterone or Brumano, by cable car from Piani d'Erna, or by mountain bike. At dawn and dusk, local wildlife makes an appearance among the crags: chamois, roe deer, and red deer move gracefully against the backdrop of the Alps and Apennines.
Blue Balconies over Lake Como
Where the mountains meet the water, the landscape turns into a fairytale. Lake Como's mountain huts are famous for combining accessible walks with postcard-perfect aperitifs.
- Rifugio Menaggio (1,383 m, Plesio): sitting at the foot of Mount Grona, it takes just a one-hour walk from Breglia to reach. It is the perfect spot to sit down to a meal overlooking Lake Como while enjoying platters of local cured meats and mountain cheeses.
- Rifugio Riella (1,275 m, Faggeto Lario): located in the Larian Triangle along the slopes of Mount Palanzone, this is a family favorite. After parking at Colma di Sormano, a scenic 1.5-hour trail leads you directly to wholesome, traditional mountain cuisine.
Gourmet huts and stays at high altitude
In recent years, Lombardy's mountain huts have reinvented themselves, turning a hiking stop into a gourmet dining experience or a dream getaway.
- Rifugio Laghi Gemelli (1,968 m, Branzi - Bergamo): tucked away in Upper Val Brembana, this hut is famous for its culinary offerings. Alongside traditional casoncelli, foiade pasta, and braised meats, you will find unique dishes featuring Paruk (wild mountain spinach) and creamy Strachitunt cheese from Val Taleggio.
- Rifugio Mai Tardi (1.880 m, Madesimo - Sondrio): accessible even to non-hikers, this hut serves exceptional dishes prepared with homegrown vegetables, pasture-raised Chianina beef, and house-made honey. It is an ideal starting point for exploring Lake Nero, Lake d'Emet, or the Ferrè glaciers.
- The Bivouacs: for mountaineers seeking an essential yet iconic shelter, compact structures with futuristic designs, like Bivacco Ferrario on Southern Grigna (2,184 m) or Bivacco Locatelli on Mount Due Mani, offer a striking emergency refuge.
- Luxury at high altitude: for those who want to indulge without compromising on altitude, the Sunny Valley Mountain Lodge (2,700 m) in Stelvio National Park blends the charm of local stone and Lappish fir with boutique suites, a high-altitude spa, and a bar set inside a real winter igloo.
