Baita San Francesco
1.3
Lombardy, Italy
About
Baita San Francesco sits at 2,010m in the Orobie Alps above the Val di Scalve, in Lombardy. Reach it from the village of Azzone: head for Casera Barzaglia (allow 3 hours), then climb a steep final section to the hut. Most parties approach from the south via the CAI-marked trail from Vilminore di Scalve; this takes 4–5 hours and gains 1,200m. The hut serves as a base for traverses across the Orobie chain and ascents of peaks including Pizzo di Spino (2,375m) and Punta di Scais (2,305m).
The hut holds 40 beds split between simple dormitories and a few double rooms. It operates a self-catering kitchen, though you can usually buy basic supplies (pasta, eggs, cheese) from the guardian. Water comes from a spring. The guardian maintains the building year-round, but expect it open reliably May through September; winter visits require advance contact to confirm conditions. Toilet facilities are basic. The hut has no electricity or Wi-Fi.
Contact the guardian directly via phone (contact details available through rifugi.net or CAI sections in Bergamo and Brescia). Book 3–4 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. The hut fills quickly during school holidays. Off-season (October–April) call ahead—the guardian is often present but the hut may close for extended periods in poor weather.
The hut holds 40 beds split between simple dormitories and a few double rooms. It operates a self-catering kitchen, though you can usually buy basic supplies (pasta, eggs, cheese) from the guardian. Water comes from a spring. The guardian maintains the building year-round, but expect it open reliably May through September; winter visits require advance contact to confirm conditions. Toilet facilities are basic. The hut has no electricity or Wi-Fi.
Contact the guardian directly via phone (contact details available through rifugi.net or CAI sections in Bergamo and Brescia). Book 3–4 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. The hut fills quickly during school holidays. Off-season (October–April) call ahead—the guardian is often present but the hut may close for extended periods in poor weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends and summer months; weekdays outside peak season are more flexible. Contact the hut directly or use rifugi.net for availability.
Typically open June through September; check with the hut before visiting outside these months, as staffing varies with snow and weather conditions.
The standard approach from Vilminore di Scalve takes 4–5 hours with 1,200m elevation gain; an alternative from Azzone via Casera Barzaglia takes 3 hours but includes a steep final section.
Expect basic mountain refuge amenities: dorm beds, meals (half-board typical), and washroom facilities; no private rooms or showers are standard at this elevation.
Not ideal for beginners—the 4–5 hour approach with 1,200m gain and steep final section demands solid fitness; it's better suited to experienced hikers planning mountain traverses and peak ascents.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website