About
Rifugio Prato della Cipolla sits at 1,612m in the Ligurian Apennines, on the watershed ridge between the Maritime Alps and the Appennino Ligure. Reach it from Passo del Ceretta (1,541m) via a straightforward 1.5-hour walk on mule track and footpath. The hut works well as a base for ridge traverses toward Monte Saccarello (2,201m) to the west or day walks across the high pastures that give the refuge its name—the "onion meadows."
The rifugio is family-run and modest. It has 25 beds in shared rooms and serves simple mountain food: hearty pasta, local cheeses, and salumi. There's a small bar. Water comes from a spring. The hut opens year-round but is quiet in winter; expect reliable service May through October. Camping is not permitted.
Book by phone directly with the refuge. July and August fill 4–6 weeks ahead, especially for weekends. The hut is popular with CAI groups, so midweek visits are easier outside peak season. Summer afternoons bring day-trippers from the car park at Passo del Ceretta, but overnight guests rarely feel crowded. The kitchen closes at 8pm, so eat dinner when it's served rather than late.
The rifugio is family-run and modest. It has 25 beds in shared rooms and serves simple mountain food: hearty pasta, local cheeses, and salumi. There's a small bar. Water comes from a spring. The hut opens year-round but is quiet in winter; expect reliable service May through October. Camping is not permitted.
Book by phone directly with the refuge. July and August fill 4–6 weeks ahead, especially for weekends. The hut is popular with CAI groups, so midweek visits are easier outside peak season. Summer afternoons bring day-trippers from the car park at Passo del Ceretta, but overnight guests rarely feel crowded. The kitchen closes at 8pm, so eat dinner when it's served rather than late.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead during peak summer season (July-August), especially for weekends. Contact them directly by phone since they're a small family-run operation—rifugio.net or cai.it may have limited availability data.
Open and staffed during summer months; confirm exact dates (typically June-September) by calling ahead, as staffing at 1,612m depends on snow conditions and demand.
From Passo del Ceretta (1,541m), it's a straightforward 1.5-hour walk on mule track and footpath—easy approach with minimal elevation gain of about 70m.
25 beds in shared rooms, meals provided (confirm half-board or full-board options when booking); being modest and family-run, expect basic facilities—ask about shower availability when you call.
Yes, it's excellent for families and beginners—the approach is only 1.5 hours on straightforward terrain, and the high pastures offer safe day walks; the location also works well for experienced hikers aiming at Monte Saccarello traverses.
Location
44.5587, 9.4862
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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
2.7
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Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +39 0185 88046
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