Refuge Mario Merelli al Coca
4.4Rifugio Mario Merelli al Coca
About
Rifugio Mario Merelli al Coca sits at 1,892m on the slopes above Colere in the Orobie Alps of Lombardy. The hut is reached from Colere village by a steep hiking trail that takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Summer access is straightforward. Winter approaches require avalanche assessment and are not recommended for most parties. The location works as a base for ridge walks across the Orobie, or as a stopping point on longer Lombardy traverses.
The rifugio holds 70 beds across multiple rooms and operates a kitchen serving traditional mountain food. Meals are available on request—book dinner when you reserve your beds. The hut has basic washroom facilities and runs toilets. It opens year-round but is quietest October to April, when staffing can be limited. Spring and summer bring regular weekenders from the Milan and Bergamo lowlands, particularly June through August. The hut does not accept dogs.
Contact the hut directly by email or phone to book beds. Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Outside peak season, 2 weeks' notice is usually sufficient. The hut can host small groups but prefers advance warning for parties over 15 people. Payment is typically cash or bank transfer arranged at booking.
The rifugio holds 70 beds across multiple rooms and operates a kitchen serving traditional mountain food. Meals are available on request—book dinner when you reserve your beds. The hut has basic washroom facilities and runs toilets. It opens year-round but is quietest October to April, when staffing can be limited. Spring and summer bring regular weekenders from the Milan and Bergamo lowlands, particularly June through August. The hut does not accept dogs.
Contact the hut directly by email or phone to book beds. Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Outside peak season, 2 weeks' notice is usually sufficient. The hut can host small groups but prefers advance warning for parties over 15 people. Payment is typically cash or bank transfer arranged at booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends in peak season (July-August), or contact them directly by phone for last-minute availability. For weekday visits outside summer, 1-2 weeks is usually sufficient.
The rifugio operates year-round but is most reliably staffed June through September; winter opening varies by snow conditions and should be confirmed before visiting.
Start from Colere village and follow the hiking trail; the route is steep and takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Summer access is straightforward, but winter requires avalanche assessment and is not recommended for most parties.
The rifugio provides 70 beds in shared rooms and serves meals—expect standard rifugio fare (pasta, polenta, local cheese) with evening dinner and breakfast included with overnight stays.
The 2.5-3 hour ascent with steep sections suits fit hikers with some Alpine experience; families with strong young walkers can manage it, but it's not ideal for absolute beginners. The rifugio works well as a base for ridge walks once you're there.
Location
46.0548, 10.0099
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Don't forget to book
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
4.4
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- "Apertura continuata tra giugno e settembre. Apertura nei fine setttimana da maggio e fino a ottobre. Il locale invernale con dieci posti letto è aperto anche durante il periodo di chiusura del rifugio, ma sprovvisto di energia elettrica e riscaldamento."
- Total
- 70
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +39 0346 44035
- Website
- http://www.rifugiococa.it
Activities
Featured In
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