Easy
About
Rifugio Gilodi-Cà Mea sits at 1145m on the slopes of Monte Rosa, in the Valsesia valley north of Borgosesia. The hut serves as a base for day hikes through Piedmont's lower Alpine terrain and longer traverses into the high valleys. Reach it from Borgosesia by car to Rasa (45 minutes), then on foot in 2–3 hours following marked trails through mixed forest. The approach gains 500m steadily but never steeply.
The rifugio runs as a small, traditional mountain hut with 30–40 beds in basic dormitory rooms. The kitchen serves straightforward local food: polenta, pasta, soups, and grilled meat. Hot water is reliable. There's no WiFi. The hut opens year-round but operates weekends and holidays only during winter; staff live on-site in summer. The location makes it practical for acclimatization before heading higher, or for easier terrain when you want altitude without technical climbing.
Book through CAI Borgosesia or check rifugi.net for availability. Summer weekends fill quickly from June through September. Contact the hut directly by phone for winter visits to confirm staffing. Payment is cash or bank transfer; bring euros. The access road to Rasa can be rough after heavy rain—check conditions locally before driving.
The rifugio runs as a small, traditional mountain hut with 30–40 beds in basic dormitory rooms. The kitchen serves straightforward local food: polenta, pasta, soups, and grilled meat. Hot water is reliable. There's no WiFi. The hut opens year-round but operates weekends and holidays only during winter; staff live on-site in summer. The location makes it practical for acclimatization before heading higher, or for easier terrain when you want altitude without technical climbing.
Book through CAI Borgosesia or check rifugi.net for availability. Summer weekends fill quickly from June through September. Contact the hut directly by phone for winter visits to confirm staffing. Payment is cash or bank transfer; bring euros. The access road to Rasa can be rough after heavy rain—check conditions locally before driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends and July–August; weekdays outside summer are usually available on shorter notice. Contact the hut directly or check rifugio.net for availability.
Open May through October, with staffing most reliable June–September; call ahead in shoulder months as weekend-only staffing is common.
Drive from Borgosesia to Rasa (45 minutes), then hike 2–3 hours on marked trails gaining 500m steadily through mixed forest to 1145m.
30–40 beds in basic dormitory rooms, meals available (half-board or à la carte), no showers on-site so wash in cold water or bring wet wipes.
Yes—the 2–3 hour approach is moderate, the elevation is low-Alpine, and day hikes from here suit mixed abilities; bring children accustomed to 4–5 hour days.
Location
45.7537, 8.2262
HutLists Score
4.1
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI CAI Borgosesia
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.