Moderate
About
Rifugio Alpe Colma sits at 1,570m in the Val d'Ossola, a quiet corner of Piedmont's Alpine foothills. The hut is reached from Villadossola in 2–2.5 hours on foot via the Alpe Colma trail, a steady climb through mixed woodland that opens onto pasture. The approach is direct and well-marked. You can also access it from Val Vigezzo if you're linking multiple valleys. The location works well for day walks across the rolling Alpine meadows or as a base for exploring the Lepontine summits to the north.
The rifugio has 20 beds and serves meals based on availability; phone ahead if you want dinner. Water is reliable. Basic facilities include a wood stove and a small dining room. The hut is typically open from June through September, closing in winter. It's staffed intermittently, so check opening dates before you go. The setting is pastoral rather than dramatic—useful if you want a quieter alternative to busier rifugios on major long-distance routes.
Book through the managing club, CAI Sezione di Villadossola, by phone or via the CAI national website at cai.it. July and August can fill, especially weekends, so contact the hut 2–3 weeks ahead in summer. The hut may close or reduce capacity outside peak season, so confirm before traveling.
The rifugio has 20 beds and serves meals based on availability; phone ahead if you want dinner. Water is reliable. Basic facilities include a wood stove and a small dining room. The hut is typically open from June through September, closing in winter. It's staffed intermittently, so check opening dates before you go. The setting is pastoral rather than dramatic—useful if you want a quieter alternative to busier rifugios on major long-distance routes.
Book through the managing club, CAI Sezione di Villadossola, by phone or via the CAI national website at cai.it. July and August can fill, especially weekends, so contact the hut 2–3 weeks ahead in summer. The hut may close or reduce capacity outside peak season, so confirm before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends and July–August; weekdays outside peak season are less pressured. Contact the hut directly or use rifugio.net for availability.
Most Piedmont huts at this elevation operate June through September; confirm exact dates with the hut as staffing varies by season. Winter closure is typical.
Start from Villadossola (roughly 700m elevation) and follow the well-marked Alpe Colma trail for 2–2.5 hours; the route climbs steadily through woodland then opens into pasture. You can also approach from Val Vigezzo if combining valleys.
Expect basic Alpine hut standards: simple dorm or shared rooms, evening meals (usually pasta or stew), breakfast, and basic washroom facilities; shower availability is limited at this altitude and typically costs extra.
Yes—the 2–2.5 hour approach from Villadossola is steady but not steep, and the rolling meadow terrain around the hut suits mixed abilities. It's a good introductory rifugio base for families comfortable with a few hours' hiking.
Location
46.0342, 8.1933
HutLists Score
4.5
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI Club Alpino Italiano Sezione di Villadossola
- Season
- closed
Facilities
Breakfast
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Website
- http://www.caivilladossola.it/catasto/rifugi.htm?A
Featured In
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