Moderate
About
Rifugio Melezè sits at 1,812m in the Valli di Lanzo, a collection of three valleys north of Turin that draw serious hikers but see a fraction of the crowds found further west. The hut sits on the main walking route between Val d'Ala and Val di Viù, roughly 4 hours' walk from Pian della Mussa trailhead (lower valleys). Most people approach from the south via the Ponte d'Ala–Pian della Mussa route, a steady 5–6 hour climb through larch forest and open pasture.
The rifugio has 50 beds split across dorm rooms and a few doubles. Meals are served family-style; you eat what the hut cooks. Hot showers run on schedule (ask on arrival). The kitchen is basic but reliable. Mobile signal is patchy; expect no internet. The hut operates year-round but opens weekends and holidays in winter only. Summer season runs June through September with higher traffic in July and August. Staff speak Italian and basic English.
Book directly by phone with the management or through the CAI website if the hut is affiliated. Contact details typically appear on rifugi.net and cai.it. July weekends fill 4–6 weeks ahead; mid-week slots are usually available up to 2 weeks before arrival. The hut closes for maintenance in late May and early June most years. Confirm opening dates before planning a shoulder-season trip.
The rifugio has 50 beds split across dorm rooms and a few doubles. Meals are served family-style; you eat what the hut cooks. Hot showers run on schedule (ask on arrival). The kitchen is basic but reliable. Mobile signal is patchy; expect no internet. The hut operates year-round but opens weekends and holidays in winter only. Summer season runs June through September with higher traffic in July and August. Staff speak Italian and basic English.
Book directly by phone with the management or through the CAI website if the hut is affiliated. Contact details typically appear on rifugi.net and cai.it. July weekends fill 4–6 weeks ahead; mid-week slots are usually available up to 2 weeks before arrival. The hut closes for maintenance in late May and early June most years. Confirm opening dates before planning a shoulder-season trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends, especially July–August; weekdays are usually available with shorter notice. Contact the hut directly or use rifugio.net for reservations.
Typically open June through September, staffed daily during peak season; check current dates on rifugio.net or cai.it as weather and staffing can affect opening.
The main approach is 5–6 hours from Pian della Mussa trailhead via Ponte d'Ala, climbing steadily through larch forest and pasture; alternative routes from Val di Viù or Val d'Ala take roughly 4 hours.
Rifugio Melezè has 50 beds, serves meals (half-board and à la carte available), and has basic washing facilities; expect dormitory-style accommodation and no shower (cold water wash typical at this elevation).
Yes for fit families with hiking experience; the moderate 5–6 hour approach is manageable for children aged 10+, but the hut is better suited to serious hikers doing multi-day valley traverses than casual day-trippers.
Location
44.5745, 6.9815
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
- 50
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Website
- https://www.meleze.it
Activities
Featured In
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