Refuge Mettolo Castellino

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.