Refuge Santino Ferioli

1.7

Rifugio Santino Ferioli

2,264m Piedmont, Italy
Demanding

About

Rifugio Santino Ferioli sits at 2,264m in the Ticino Alps on the border between Piedmont and Lombardy. The hut is reached from the Val Cannobina on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. From Cannobio, it takes 4–5 hours to walk in via the Camping Selva Valley trail, gaining 1,400m elevation. This is a serious day's work with a heavy pack, so most climbers arrive tired. The location makes it a hub for traverses across the range toward the Val d'Ossola.

The rifugio holds 24 beds in simple shared rooms. Meals are available: the warden cooks dinner and breakfast. Water comes from the mountain and is reliable. The hut operates year-round but is busiest June through September. Winter access requires mountaineering experience and avalanche awareness. Mobile signal is absent or very weak. There is no electricity generator, only solar power and gas lighting, so expect basic conditions.

Book directly by email or phone through the CAI Olgiate Olona section. Contact details are listed on rifugi.net and cai.it. July and August weekends fill 4–6 weeks ahead. For quieter visits, go in June or September. Phone ahead in winter to confirm the warden is present. The hut responds slowly to email—call instead if you need a quick answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead during summer peak season; call ahead as this is a small 24-bed hut and fills quickly, especially for weekends.
It's staffed during summer months (typically June–September); confirm exact dates by phone before planning your trip.
Start from Cannobio on Lake Maggiore's western shore and follow the Camping Selva Valley trail for 4–5 hours, gaining 1,400m elevation—a demanding approach that's best done fresh or over two days.
Expect dinner, breakfast, and drinks; beds are in simple shared rooms with basic mountain hut amenities—no private rooms or en-suite facilities.
No—the 4–5 hour approach with 1,400m gain and demanding terrain is for fit, experienced hikers; it's better suited to mountaineers planning traverses across the Ticino Alps.

Quick Facts

Managing club
CAI
Season
Total
24
Dormitory
Emergency
Private rooms

Facilities

Breakfast Half board Meals served Drinking water

Contact & Booking

Phone
+39 0163 91207; +39 334 5631105
Website
http://www.caiolgiate.it/rifugio.php