Casa Alpina Don Mario Leonardi

Casa Alpina Don Mario Leonardi sits at 2,180m in the Orobian Alps near Bergamo, reached via the Valle del Riso. The approach takes 2.5 hours from Valbondione village, climbing through beech forest and alpine meadow. In winter, access requires ski touring skills. The hut works well as a base for traverses across the northern Orobian range or day walks to nearby peaks like Pizzo Camanile (2,419m).
The hut holds 50 beds across multiple rooms. Meals are hearty valley fare—pasta, polenta, local cheeses—and they cater to dietary requirements if you mention them when booking. Water comes from the spring; showers are basic but functional. The season runs from May through October, with limited winter weekends depending on snow and staffing. The building feels lived-in rather than polished, which appeals to climbers who value simplicity.
Book directly by phone or email 2–3 months ahead for July and August weekends. Weekday stays and shoulder seasons (May, September, October) rarely fill. The hut prefers calls to email; responses come faster that way. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is mandatory. They ask for a small deposit to confirm your reservation. Check their website for current opening dates before planning a winter visit.