Moderate
About
Rifugio Piero Garelli sits at 1,970m on the watershed ridge between Liguria and Piedmont, roughly 3 hours' walk from Priero or 2.5 hours from Ponte di Nava. The hut marks the junction of several major ridgeline trails across the Western Ligurian Alps. Approach routes are well-marked but steep in sections. Summer access is straightforward; winter snow can close approaches, so check conditions before departing.
The hut runs 90 beds across multiple dormitory rooms and a few small private spaces. The CAI kitchen serves three-course dinners and hearty breakfasts—nothing fancy, standard rifugio fare. Hot showers are available. The bar stocks wine, grappa, and coffee. There's no electricity beyond essentials, and mobile signal is weak to absent. The hut operates year-round but is busiest July through September and on weekends year-round. Winter conditions can be severe; verify opening before winter visits.
Book by phone directly with Rifugio Piero Garelli. Call ahead even mid-week during summer, especially for dinner reservations. July and August weekends often fill 2–3 weeks ahead. For CAI members, the hut offers modest discounts. The Mondovì section manages the hut; contact through CAI Mondovì or via rifugio.net for booking links and current telephone numbers.
The hut runs 90 beds across multiple dormitory rooms and a few small private spaces. The CAI kitchen serves three-course dinners and hearty breakfasts—nothing fancy, standard rifugio fare. Hot showers are available. The bar stocks wine, grappa, and coffee. There's no electricity beyond essentials, and mobile signal is weak to absent. The hut operates year-round but is busiest July through September and on weekends year-round. Winter conditions can be severe; verify opening before winter visits.
Book by phone directly with Rifugio Piero Garelli. Call ahead even mid-week during summer, especially for dinner reservations. July and August weekends often fill 2–3 weeks ahead. For CAI members, the hut offers modest discounts. The Mondovì section manages the hut; contact through CAI Mondovì or via rifugio.net for booking links and current telephone numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead for summer weekends; weekdays are more flexible. Call ahead using the contact number or check rifugio.net for current availability and booking options.
Open and staffed during summer months (typically June–September), though exact dates vary by year. Winter snow closes the approaches, so confirm conditions with the hut before attempting a visit outside peak season.
The main approaches are 3 hours from Priero or 2.5 hours from Ponte di Nava via well-marked but steep ridgeline trails. The hut sits at the watershed junction on the Liguria–Piedmont border at 1,970m.
The rifugio has 90 beds in dormitory rooms and a few small private spaces, with meals available. Shower facilities are typically basic—expect cold water or limited hot water, as is standard for mountain huts at this elevation.
Suitable for fit hikers with moderate mountain experience; the steep sections on approach and 2.5–3 hour walk demand decent fitness. Families with older children comfortable on exposed terrain will manage fine, but it's not ideal for young kids new to alpinism.
Location
44.1888, 7.6877
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Don't forget to book
This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
3.7
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI Club Alpino Italiano sezione di Mondovì
- Total
- 90
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +39 0171 73 80 78
- Website
- https://www.rifugiogarelli.com/
Activities
Featured In
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