How to Book an Alpine Hut in the Dolomites
A step-by-step guide to booking rifugios in the Dolomites — when to reserve, which platforms to use, and what to expect on arrival.
Planning a hut-to-hut trek in the Dolomites is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the Alps, but the booking process can feel opaque — especially if you have never stayed in a rifugio before. This guide walks you through every step, from choosing your dates to settling your bill on departure.
When to Book
The rifugio season in the Dolomites typically runs from mid-June to late September, though exact dates vary by hut and snowfall. Most huts open around 20 June and close by the end of September. August is by far the busiest month, and popular huts along the Alta Via 1 and Tre Cime Loop can fill up weeks in advance.
For the best chance of securing your preferred dates, book at least four to six weeks ahead for July and August stays. Shoulder season — late June and September — is quieter and more flexible, often allowing bookings just a week or two out. Some huts accept same-day reservations if beds are available, but relying on this during peak season is risky.
How to Book
There is no single booking platform for all Dolomites rifugios. The booking method depends on who manages the hut:
CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) huts
Many CAI-managed huts can be booked through the CAI online portal or by emailing the hut directly. The portal interface is functional if somewhat dated. You will need to specify your arrival date, number of guests, and whether you want half-board (dinner and breakfast) or bed-only.
AVS (Alpenverein Südtirol) huts
South Tyrolean Alpine Club huts often have their own websites with online booking forms. Some use a shared reservation system.
Private huts
Privately run rifugios typically accept bookings by phone, email, or WhatsApp. Check the hut's own website or our individual hut pages for contact details.
In all cases, a confirmation email or message serves as your reservation. Cancellation policies vary, but most huts ask for at least 48 hours' notice.
What to Expect on Arrival
When you arrive at a rifugio, you will check in at the front desk and be shown to the dormitory or, in some cases, a smaller shared room. Most Dolomites huts offer Lager (dormitory) accommodation with bunk beds, blankets, and a pillow. You do not need a sleeping bag, but many hikers bring a silk liner for hygiene.
Half-board typically includes a multi-course dinner and a breakfast buffet. Dinner is usually served at a fixed time — often between 18:30 and 19:30 — and is a communal affair around long tables. Expect hearty mountain fare: soup, pasta or polenta, a meat or cheese course, and dessert.
Payment and Costs
Expect to pay between 40 and 70 euros per person for half-board, depending on the hut and room type. Members of alpine clubs (CAI, DAV, OeAV, SAC) receive a significant discount — often 30 to 50 percent off the accommodation price. Bring your membership card.
Cash is still preferred at many rifugios, though an increasing number accept card payments. Carry enough cash to cover at least two nights as a precaution. ATMs are scarce above the valley floor.
Planning Your Route
The Dolomites offer dozens of multi-day hiking routes that connect rifugios. The most popular include the Alta Via 1, a 10- to 13-day traverse from Lago di Braies to Belluno, and the Alta Via 2, a more challenging route through wilder terrain. For shorter trips, the Tre Cime Loop and the trails around the Catinaccio/Rosengarten group make excellent two- to three-day itineraries.
Browse our full list of huts in the Dolomites region to plan your stops, and filter by activity type to find huts on routes suited to your experience level.