Moderate
About
Rifugio Garzirola sits at 1,974m in the Orobian Alps of Lombardy, above the Val Seriana. Reach it from Castione della Presolana by cable car to 1,850m, then hike 45 minutes on marked trail. Most parties approach via Lago d'Arno (2,134m), a 2.5-hour climb from Castione. The hut anchors a network of ridge walks linking several peaks in the range and serves as a junction point for longer traverses into the Cima d'Arno area.
The rifugio accommodates 60 people in shared dormitories and a handful of private rooms. Full meals are available: evening pasta, meat mains, and packed lunches for onward travel. Showers work but hot water is limited. The hut operates year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions—contact ahead if visiting November through April. Electricity runs on solar panels and a backup generator. Water comes from mountain springs. Staff speak Italian and basic English.
Book directly by phone or email at least two weeks ahead. July and August fill quickly—reserve six weeks ahead for those months. The hut sits on CAI territory and accepts both SAC and AVS members with reciprocal discounts. Walk-ins are accepted outside peak season if space exists. Payment in cash or bank transfer only; no cards.
The rifugio accommodates 60 people in shared dormitories and a handful of private rooms. Full meals are available: evening pasta, meat mains, and packed lunches for onward travel. Showers work but hot water is limited. The hut operates year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions—contact ahead if visiting November through April. Electricity runs on solar panels and a backup generator. Water comes from mountain springs. Staff speak Italian and basic English.
Book directly by phone or email at least two weeks ahead. July and August fill quickly—reserve six weeks ahead for those months. The hut sits on CAI territory and accepts both SAC and AVS members with reciprocal discounts. Walk-ins are accepted outside peak season if space exists. Payment in cash or bank transfer only; no cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends and peak season (July–August); weekdays outside summer need less notice. Use rifugio.net or contact the hut directly via cai.it for current availability.
Open June through September, fully staffed during this period. Check ahead for shoulder-season dates as staffing can vary.
From Castione della Presolana, take the cable car to 1,850m and hike 45 minutes on marked trail, or hike from Lago d'Arno (2.5 hours, 2,134m start). The cable car is the faster option; the lake approach gives more climbing.
60 beds in shared dorms, basic dormitory accommodation. Full meals available (dinner and breakfast); pack water or use hut supplies for daytime hiking.
Yes for families with cable car access (45-minute walk after); the lake approach is better suited to fit hikers with Alpine experience. Ridge walks from the hut are moderate to challenging.
Location
46.1074, 9.0797
HutLists Score
5.0
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Total
- 80
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Activities
Featured In
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