Technical
About
Rifugio Mantova al Vioz sits at 3,535m on the Ortles massif in the Stelvio National Park. Reach it from Passo del Gavia (2,621m) in 2.5 hours, or from Rifugio Branca (2,487m) in 3 hours. Both routes gain significant elevation on rocky, exposed terrain. This is a serious Alpine hut requiring mountain fitness and scrambling ability.
The hut holds 30 beds across simple dormitory rooms. Meals are served daily; book dinner and breakfast when you reserve. Water comes from snowmelt; the kitchen is basic but functional. The refuge operates year-round but staffing is minimal November to March—phone ahead in winter. Toilet facilities are outside. Summer crowding peaks in July and August; June and September offer better conditions with similar weather.
Book by phone or email directly to the hut. Phone is fastest for July and August bookings. The refuge fills 6-8 weeks ahead during peak season. Contact them early if you're planning July dates. Winter visits require advance confirmation of staffing and conditions. The location puts you within striking distance of Piz Ortles (3,899m) and other high peaks in the range.
The hut holds 30 beds across simple dormitory rooms. Meals are served daily; book dinner and breakfast when you reserve. Water comes from snowmelt; the kitchen is basic but functional. The refuge operates year-round but staffing is minimal November to March—phone ahead in winter. Toilet facilities are outside. Summer crowding peaks in July and August; June and September offer better conditions with similar weather.
Book by phone or email directly to the hut. Phone is fastest for July and August bookings. The refuge fills 6-8 weeks ahead during peak season. Contact them early if you're planning July dates. Winter visits require advance confirmation of staffing and conditions. The location puts you within striking distance of Piz Ortles (3,899m) and other high peaks in the range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season (July-August), especially for weekends; this 30-bed hut fills quickly. Call ahead or use rifugio.net/cai.it to check availability and reserve your bed, dinner, and breakfast in one go.
Typically open late June through September, depending on snow conditions and staff availability; confirm opening dates before your trip since this high-altitude hut depends on weather access.
2.5 hours from Passo del Gavia (2,621m) or 3 hours from Rifugio Branca (2,487m)—both routes involve scrambling on exposed, rocky terrain with 1,000m+ elevation gain; this requires solid mountain fitness and comfort on grade I/II scrambling.
30 beds in simple dormitory rooms, daily meals (dinner and breakfast must be pre-booked), water from snowmelt, and basic kitchen facilities; no shower, so wash at the hut is cold water only.
No—the technical access (exposed scrambling at 3,535m), isolation, and extreme altitude make this hut only for experienced mountaineers with prior Alpine scrambling experience; it's a base for climbers, not beginners.
Location
46.3992, 10.6358
HutLists Score
4.3
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- Jun 20-Sep 20
- Total
- 30
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +39 0463 751386
- Website
- https://www.rifugiovioz.it/
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.