Refuge Monte Dego

Rifugio Monte Dego sits at 1,676m on the Ligurian side of the Maritimes, in the Beigua Geopark between Genoa and the French border. Reach it from Sassello in 2.5 hours via the steep mule track up Val Perosella, or from Passo del Turchino (1,554m) in 1.5 hours on waymarked paths. The approach from Sassello offers the more direct route and passes through beech and chestnut forest. Most hikers use Monte Dego as a basecamp for ridge traverses eastward to Punta Martin (1,917m) and westward toward the Ligurian watershed.

The rifugio operates year-round and sleeps 40 in simple dormitory rooms. Half-board is available; the kitchen serves filling pasta and local Ligurian dishes. Water supply is reliable. The hut has heating, but bring a sleeping bag year-round—spring and autumn nights get cold at this elevation. Shower facilities are basic. Mobile signal is patchy but present on most networks. The hut is managed by CAI Genoa and volunteers, so service can be casual.

Book directly by phone or email at least two weeks ahead. August and weekends in July are consistently full. The hut closes in severe weather. Winter visits require advance notice—the road up from Sassello is often impassable above 1,200m from December to March. Pay cash or arrange transfers by calling ahead if arriving without a reservation.