Moderate
About
Rifugio Mettolo Castellino sits at 1,741m in the Maritime Alps on the border between Liguria and Piedmont. Reach it from Pian delle Gorre (near Ormea) in about 3 hours on foot. The hut serves as a base for ridge walking and connects to trails toward Cima di Pertegua and routes into the Ligurian uplands. Summer hiking season runs June through September, when high passes clear of snow.
The rifugio accommodates 25 people in simple shared rooms. Meals focus on mountain classics: polenta, pasta, local cheese. Staff cook fresh food daily rather than serve pre-made portions. Running water and basic heating are standard. The hut operates year-round but staffing and meals are seasonal—confirm availability before winter visits. This is a working mountain refuge, not a hostel; expect practical hospitality and early bedtimes.
Book directly by phone with the CAI Mondovì section managing the hut. Phone numbers and current staff contact details are available through rifugio.net or cai.it. July and August fill quickly; book 6-8 weeks ahead for those months. The hut sits on established trail networks popular with regional hikers, so weekends year-round see steady traffic. Call ahead to confirm hot meals are available on your planned arrival date.
The rifugio accommodates 25 people in simple shared rooms. Meals focus on mountain classics: polenta, pasta, local cheese. Staff cook fresh food daily rather than serve pre-made portions. Running water and basic heating are standard. The hut operates year-round but staffing and meals are seasonal—confirm availability before winter visits. This is a working mountain refuge, not a hostel; expect practical hospitality and early bedtimes.
Book directly by phone with the CAI Mondovì section managing the hut. Phone numbers and current staff contact details are available through rifugio.net or cai.it. July and August fill quickly; book 6-8 weeks ahead for those months. The hut sits on established trail networks popular with regional hikers, so weekends year-round see steady traffic. Call ahead to confirm hot meals are available on your planned arrival date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead during July–August, especially weekends; shoulder season (June, September) is more flexible. Call +39 directly or check rifugio.net for availability.
Open June through September during the main hiking season; high passes are snow-free and trails fully accessible by July.
Start from Pian delle Gorre near Ormea and allow 3 hours on a moderate hiking trail; no cable car or vehicle access.
25 beds in shared rooms, hot meals (polenta, pasta, local specialties), and basic amenities; confirm shower availability when booking.
Yes for fit beginners—the 3-hour approach is moderate and well-marked—but the simple accommodation and shared rooms suit hikers over families with young children.
Location
44.2460, 7.7422
HutLists Score
3.8
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI Club Alpino Italiano sezione Mondovì
- Total
- 25
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +39 0174 46776
Activities
Featured In
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