Alpine Dairy Castrin - Aler Alm

1.5

Malga Castrin - Aler Alm

1,814m Veneto, Italy
Moderate

About

Malga Castrin sits at 1,814m in the Dolomites foothills between the Val di Zoldo and the Colle Santa Lucia plateau in Veneto. Approach from Colle Santa Lucia (2,239m) via a 2-hour descent south through alpine meadow, or from Rifugio Fedare in Val di Zoldo with a steeper 3-hour climb north. The hut is accessible to mountain bikes and is on the main CAI hiking trail network.

This is a working dairy farm, not a full mountain hut. It operates seasonally (roughly mid-June to mid-September depending on snow melt and weather) and serves simple food and drinks. Basic accommodation exists but is limited; many visitors come for the day to eat, rest, and resupply water. The setting is working alpine pasture with marmots and wide views to the Nuvolau group. Facilities are minimal—expect no showers or hot water. Food is home-cooked and based on what the farm produces: cheese, dairy, and simple mountain meals.

This is a self-catering or snack stop for most hikers, not a full-board mountain refuge. Contact directly before arriving to confirm opening dates and meal availability. Phone ahead if you need to guarantee food. Summer weekends fill with day hikers from both valleys. The hut closes in bad weather and during the shoulder season transitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season (July-August), especially for weekends. Contact directly by phone or email as it's a working dairy farm with limited beds, not a staffed rifugio.
Mid-June to mid-September depending on weather and farm operations. Call ahead to confirm opening dates as a working malga—it's not staffed year-round like larger rifugios.
From Colle Santa Lucia (2,239m), it's a 2-hour descent south through alpine meadow; from Rifugio Fedare in Val di Zoldo, it's a steeper 3-hour climb north. The hut sits on CAI hiking trails and is accessible to mountain bikes.
Expect basic accommodation and simple meals (dairy farm food, not a full restaurant). Facilities are minimal—no showers. It's a working malga, not a full-service mountain hut.
The 2-hour descent from Colle Santa Lucia works for fit families, but the 3-hour climb from Val di Zoldo is steep and better for experienced hikers. Mountain bike access makes it popular for mixed-ability groups on gentler approaches.

Quick Facts

Managing club
CAI
Season
Total
Dormitory
Emergency
Private rooms

Facilities

Meals served Drinking water

Contact & Booking

Email
Phone
Website