Demanding
About
Rifugio Franco Tonolini sits at 2,467m in the Brenta Dolomites, accessed from the Val d'Ambez valley. The approach takes 2.5 hours from Molveno on a well-marked trail that gains 900m steadily. This is serious hiking terrain—not a cable-car approach. The hut serves as a natural base for ridge walks across the Brenta massif and approaches to peaks like Cima Tosa (2,222m to the northeast).
The rifugio holds 45 beds across mixed dormitories and a few double rooms. Half board is standard: dinner, overnight, breakfast included. The kitchen produces solid mountain fare. Water comes from mountain sources. The hut runs from mid-June through mid-September, closing in shoulder seasons when snow lingers and the trail becomes unreliable. There's no electricity from the grid, so charging options are limited—plan accordingly if you rely on devices. Mobile signal is weak but sometimes available outside.
Book directly by email or phone with the Brescia section of CAI (Club Alpino Italiano). July and August fill quickly; reserve at least 2 months ahead for summer weekends. June and September offer quieter conditions if your schedule allows. The hut is run by volunteers, so responses may take several days. Confirm your arrival time when you book—the manager needs to know when to expect you for meal prep.
The rifugio holds 45 beds across mixed dormitories and a few double rooms. Half board is standard: dinner, overnight, breakfast included. The kitchen produces solid mountain fare. Water comes from mountain sources. The hut runs from mid-June through mid-September, closing in shoulder seasons when snow lingers and the trail becomes unreliable. There's no electricity from the grid, so charging options are limited—plan accordingly if you rely on devices. Mobile signal is weak but sometimes available outside.
Book directly by email or phone with the Brescia section of CAI (Club Alpino Italiano). July and August fill quickly; reserve at least 2 months ahead for summer weekends. June and September offer quieter conditions if your schedule allows. The hut is run by volunteers, so responses may take several days. Confirm your arrival time when you book—the manager needs to know when to expect you for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends and July–August; weekdays outside peak season need less notice. Call ahead directly or check rifugio.net and cai.it for availability and to confirm current rates.
Typically open late June through September, staffed daily during that window. Winter closure is standard for this elevation; confirm exact dates before planning an off-season visit.
Start from Molveno in Val d'Ambez on the well-marked trail; it's 2.5 hours of hiking with 900m elevation gain—steady, serious terrain, not a cable-car approach. This is genuine mountain hiking.
45 beds split between dormitories and a few double rooms; half board (dinner and breakfast) is standard. Expect basic mountain amenities; confirm shower availability and hot water availability when you book.
No—the 2.5-hour approach with 900m gain rules out casual hikers. It's designed for experienced trekkers and climbers doing ridge walks in the Brenta massif or summiting peaks like Cima Tosa.
Location
46.1504, 10.4403
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Don't forget to book
This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
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 Brescia)
- Season
- "fron June to September"
- Total
- 45
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +39 0364 71181
- Website
- https://www.cai.it/sezione/brescia/rifugi/
Activities
Featured In
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