Refuge Alpe Costa
1.3Rifugio Alpe Costa
Lombardy, Italy
About
Rifugio Alpe Costa sits at 1,850m on the Alpe Costa plateau in the Orobie Alps, Lombardy. The hut anchors a network of summer pastoral routes between the Val Seriana and Val d'Oglio valleys. From Ardesio (reachable by bus from Bergamo), walk 2.5 hours uphill through beech forest to reach it. The approach is steep and exposed to afternoon sun in July and August—start early. Winter access is unreliable; the hut closes November through April.
The refuge operates as a small, family-run operation with 8 beds in shared dormitories. Food is simple: pasta-based dinners and breakfast cereals with coffee and milk. The warden cooks on a wood stove. Water comes from a spring. There is no electricity, no mobile signal, and no showers. The toilet is outside. The hut sits on a working alpine pasture, so expect cows and their smell during grazing season (June–September). This is a working mountain place, not a comfortable hotel.
Contact the warden in advance through the CAI Val Seriana section or via word-of-mouth at lower valley rifugios. Mobile calls fail at the hut—send a message or visit in person if you're in the area. Book for July and August at least 3 weeks ahead; weekends fill quickly. Half-board only (dinner + breakfast); bring your own lunch. Cash payment only.
The refuge operates as a small, family-run operation with 8 beds in shared dormitories. Food is simple: pasta-based dinners and breakfast cereals with coffee and milk. The warden cooks on a wood stove. Water comes from a spring. There is no electricity, no mobile signal, and no showers. The toilet is outside. The hut sits on a working alpine pasture, so expect cows and their smell during grazing season (June–September). This is a working mountain place, not a comfortable hotel.
Contact the warden in advance through the CAI Val Seriana section or via word-of-mouth at lower valley rifugios. Mobile calls fail at the hut—send a message or visit in person if you're in the area. Book for July and August at least 3 weeks ahead; weekends fill quickly. Half-board only (dinner + breakfast); bring your own lunch. Cash payment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead during summer, especially weekends; this 8-bed hut fills quickly. Contact the hut directly or check rifugio.net for availability.
Open May through October; winter access is unreliable and the hut closes November through April.
Take a bus from Bergamo to Ardesio, then walk 2.5 hours uphill through beech forest; the route is steep and sun-exposed, so start early to avoid afternoon heat in July–August.
It's a small, family-run operation with 8 beds and serves meals; expect basic amenities typical of remote Alpine huts, including shared facilities.
The steep 2.5-hour approach and 1,850m elevation make it better for hikers with solid fitness; families should be confident hill-walkers, and start early to manage the afternoon sun exposure.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- 8
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website