Demanding
About
Rifugio Enrico Mattei sits at 1,150m in the northern Apennines above Pontremoli in Liguria. The hut is reached from Pontremoli town via the hamlet of Rossano; allow 2.5 to 3 hours on foot. The approach is steady rather than steep and follows established mule tracks through beech forest. Once at the hut, you're on the main north-south ridgeline of the Apennines, positioned for day hikes across open moorland and access to peaks around 1,700–1,900m.
The refuge holds 25 beds across simple dormitory rooms. Meals are provided—book dinners and breakfasts when you reserve. Water comes from a spring. The hut runs year-round but is quieter in winter; stock supplies from Pontremoli if planning a winter visit. Facilities are basic. The hut is popular with CAI groups and weekend hikers from Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany.
Book directly through Sezione CAI Pontremoli or via rifugio.net. July and August fill quickly; book 4 weeks ahead for those months. Weekends year-round attract steady use. The hut sits at the junction of several marked trails, making it useful as a base or a waypoint on longer ridge traverses. Phone ahead to check water and heating status outside summer season.
The refuge holds 25 beds across simple dormitory rooms. Meals are provided—book dinners and breakfasts when you reserve. Water comes from a spring. The hut runs year-round but is quieter in winter; stock supplies from Pontremoli if planning a winter visit. Facilities are basic. The hut is popular with CAI groups and weekend hikers from Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany.
Book directly through Sezione CAI Pontremoli or via rifugio.net. July and August fill quickly; book 4 weeks ahead for those months. Weekends year-round attract steady use. The hut sits at the junction of several marked trails, making it useful as a base or a waypoint on longer ridge traverses. Phone ahead to check water and heating status outside summer season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends, especially July–August; weekdays are more flexible. Contact the hut directly or use rifugio.net and cai.it for availability and reservations.
Most Ligurian Apennine rifugios operate April–October with full staffing; winter opening depends on snow and demand, so check ahead if planning outside summer months.
Start from Pontremoli town, head to the hamlet of Rossano, then follow mule tracks through beech forest for 2.5–3 hours on a steady gradient to reach 1,150m.
Simple dormitory beds, basic mountain meals (dinner and breakfast typically included with bed); limited hot water and basic washing facilities are standard for a 25-bed rifugio at this elevation.
Yes—the approach is steady rather than technical, good for families with basic fitness; once at the hut, day hikes on the Apennine ridge suit mixed abilities, though exposed moorland terrain demands attention to weather.
Location
44.3944, 9.9616
HutLists Score
2.6
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI Sezione CAI Pontremoli
- Total
- 25
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Website
- https://www.cai-pontremoli.it/171957908
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.