Ca' Ricò - Base Scout Carlo Rasperini
1.3
Lombardy, Italy
About
Ca' Ricò sits at 1,850m on the slopes of Monte Rai in the Orobie Alps, above the Val Brembana in Bergamo province. Reach it on foot from Caries (1,350m) in around 2.5 hours, climbing forest trail and alpine pasture. A summer chairlift from Caries shortens the approach, though mountain bikers and trail runners also access it via the ridge from Rifugio Barbellino to the south. The hut sits on a working hiking and mountaineering network: most days you'll pass hikers moving between the Orobie ridgeline and valley towns.
The hut is a small base managed by the Scouts, primarily a hostel-style refuge rather than a full rifugio. It has dormitory accommodation and basic cooking facilities. Meals are available during the summer season (roughly June through September), though you must order ahead. Water comes from the mountain spring. The hut opens year-round for groups with advance notice, but reliable staffing and food service run only in peak season. Expect simple, functional conditions: this is a working camp, not a polished mountain hotel.
Book directly with Ca' Ricò by phone or email. July and August weekends fill weeks ahead, particularly during school holidays. Outside July–August, the hut is far quieter and booking is straightforward. Groups of 10 or more should contact the managing Scout organisation (Associazione Guide Bergamasche) well in advance.
The hut is a small base managed by the Scouts, primarily a hostel-style refuge rather than a full rifugio. It has dormitory accommodation and basic cooking facilities. Meals are available during the summer season (roughly June through September), though you must order ahead. Water comes from the mountain spring. The hut opens year-round for groups with advance notice, but reliable staffing and food service run only in peak season. Expect simple, functional conditions: this is a working camp, not a polished mountain hotel.
Book directly with Ca' Ricò by phone or email. July and August weekends fill weeks ahead, particularly during school holidays. Outside July–August, the hut is far quieter and booking is straightforward. Groups of 10 or more should contact the managing Scout organisation (Associazione Guide Bergamasche) well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead during summer weekends; contact the hut directly by phone or email, or use rifugio.net. It's a Scout hut so availability can be limited on group booking dates.
Open June through September, with weekends extending into October depending on weather. Staff presence is reliable during peak season (July-August), but call ahead for shoulder months.
From Caries (1,350m), it's 2.5 hours on foot via forest and alpine pasture, or 30-40 minutes if you use the summer chairlift. Experienced hikers also access it from Rifugio Barbellino via the ridge to the south.
Expect basic mountain hut standards: dormitory beds, simple meals (dinner, breakfast, packed lunches available), and likely no en-suite showers—wash facilities are typical for this elevation and type.
Yes—the chairlift option makes it accessible for families or less experienced hikers, though the 2.5-hour walk from Caries is moderate and suitable for reasonably fit children. It's ideal as a base for ridge walking in the Orobie.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- private
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website