Easy
About
Rifugio Città di Novara sits at 1,474m in the Ossola Valley, a minor but useful stop in Piedmont's Lepontine Alps. Access is from Villadossola via the Val d'Ossola: allow 2.5 to 3 hours of steady ascent on marked paths. The hut perches on the approach to higher peaks and passes, making it a logical base for day hikes around the Alpe Veglia area or as a waypoint on longer valley traverses.
The rifugio holds 24 beds in mixed dorms. Meals are served—book dinner and breakfast when you book beds. Showers are available, which matters after dusty access paths in summer. The hut operates year-round, though contact ahead in winter. Staff speak Italian primarily; basic English is likely but not guaranteed.
Phone ahead to reserve, especially for weekends and the July-August window. Contact the CAI Villadossola section directly or check rifugio listings on cai.it and rifugi.net for availability. July fills 4-6 weeks ahead; shoulder months (June, September) are more flexible. The hut is straightforward to reach from Domodossola and sits well for anyone working the Ossola circuits. Come prepared for variable mountain weather.
The rifugio holds 24 beds in mixed dorms. Meals are served—book dinner and breakfast when you book beds. Showers are available, which matters after dusty access paths in summer. The hut operates year-round, though contact ahead in winter. Staff speak Italian primarily; basic English is likely but not guaranteed.
Phone ahead to reserve, especially for weekends and the July-August window. Contact the CAI Villadossola section directly or check rifugio listings on cai.it and rifugi.net for availability. July fills 4-6 weeks ahead; shoulder months (June, September) are more flexible. The hut is straightforward to reach from Domodossola and sits well for anyone working the Ossola circuits. Come prepared for variable mountain weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead during July–August, especially if you need dinner and breakfast. Outside peak season, 1 week is usually sufficient. Contact the hut directly by phone or check rifugio.net for availability.
Typical season runs June through September, though exact dates vary yearly. Call ahead to confirm opening dates and staffing, as shoulder seasons can be unpredictable in the Lepontine Alps.
Start from Villadossola in the Val d'Ossola and follow marked paths upward; the hike takes 2.5–3 hours of steady ascent to the hut at 1,474m. There is no road access—this is a walking-only approach.
24 beds in mixed dorms, meals (dinner and breakfast available—book when reserving beds), and basic services. The description cuts off but typical Piedmont rifugi at this elevation offer water and toilet facilities; confirm shower availability when you call.
Yes, for fit families and hikers with some experience. The 2.5–3 hour approach is moderate rather than technical, and the hut sits in the Alpe Veglia area with good day-hike options, but it's not a beginner's first night in the Alps.
Location
46.0852, 8.1168
HutLists Score
5.0
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
- Total
- 24
Facilities
Showers
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +39 0324 575977
- Website
- http://www.rifugionovara.com/
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.