Plan dei Spadovai

Plan dei Spadovai sits at 1,647m in the Julian Alps, above the Val Aupa in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Reach it from Claut by hiking the Aupa valley trail—allow 3.5 hours for the 900m climb. The route follows a mule track through beech forest, then opens to alpine pasture. Most hikers arrive from the south via Barcis or from the north via Sella Nevea, making this hut a natural base for traversing the range.

The rifugio operates year-round and sleeps around 30 people in mixed dorms and double rooms. Meals are solid mountain fare—expect hearty pasta and local cured meats. The kitchen produces good breakfasts and packed lunches. Water comes from a reliable spring. The hut sits on working alpine pasture, so expect cow bells and occasional herds in summer. Mobile signal is poor; plan accordingly.

Book directly with the hut by phone or email at least 2 weeks ahead for weekends. July and August are busy, especially mid-week when day-hikers arrive. The hut fills quickly in late June when locals use it as a base for longer ridge traverses. September offers better availability and more stable weather. Winter closures depend on snow; call ahead before December visits.