Rifugio Averau
4.4About
Rifugio Averau stands at 2,413 m on Forcella Nuvolau, the saddle between Monte Averau and Monte Nuvolau on the boundary of Cortina d'Ampezzo and Colle Santa Lucia, at the heart of the 5 Torri hiking and ski area. Run by the Siorpaes family since the early 1980s — today with Sandro's children Margot and Matteo — it has earned a reputation as one of the finest hut kitchens in the Dolomites, pairing Ampezzo and Friulian dishes with a serious wine cellar and a terrace facing the Marmolada, Pelmo and Civetta. Accommodation is unusually comfortable for the altitude: 42 beds split between four en-suite family rooms and three dormitories, plus ski and boot storage. The hut is open from mid-June to early October and again from early December to Easter, when it sits on the Cinque Torri slopes of the Dolomiti Superski network. It is a stage stop on Alta Via 1 and the base for the Averau via ferrata. Walkers arrive on trail 441 from Passo Falzarego in about 1 hour 45 minutes, on trail 443 from Passo Giau in about 1 hour 15 minutes, or in 30 minutes from the top of the 5 Torri chairlift; the Fedare chairlift on the Giau road rises almost to the door.
Access Routes
From Bai de Dones via the 5 Torri chairlift
0h
Easy
Take the 5 Torri chairlift from the Bai de Dones car park to Rifugio Scoiattoli (2,255 m), then follow trail 439 uphill for about 30 minutes and 188 m of ascent to Forcella Nuvolau.
From Passo Falzarego
1h
Moderate
Follow trail 441 from Passo Falzarego (2,105 m), 3.8 km with about 312 m of ascent, in roughly 1 hour 45 minutes; a scenic alternative takes trail 419 past Lago di Limedes and over Forcella Averau (2,435 m).
From Passo Giau
1h
Moderate
From the Passo Giau car park (2,236 m) follow the gentle, panoramic trail 443 across high meadows to Forcella Nuvolau in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book online through the official site rifugioaverau.it, which uses the Bukly reservation system, or contact the Siorpaes family directly at [email protected] or +39 0436 4660 (mobile +39 335 6868066). The en-suite family rooms are in high demand and should be reserved months ahead for July and August.
The hut runs two seasons: summer from mid-June to early October, and winter from early December until Easter, when it serves the Cinque Torri ski slopes. Dates are approximate, so check the website or call before your trip.
Ride the 5 Torri chairlift from Bai de Dones on the Passo Falzarego road to Rifugio Scoiattoli, then walk trail 439 for about 30 minutes (188 m of ascent). The Fedare chairlift from the Passo Giau road also brings you up to Forcella Nuvolau just minutes from the hut when running.
Very much so: chairlift-assisted access, en-suite family rooms with cots available, and easy panoramic trails make it one of the friendliest high huts in the Dolomites. Stronger hikers can add the Averau via ferrata to the summit of Monte Averau or continue to Rifugio Nuvolau in 30 minutes.
The Siorpaes family has built one of the best-regarded restaurants at altitude in the Dolomites, serving refined Ampezzo and Friulian cooking with homemade pasta and an extensive wine cellar. It is worth booking a table even for lunch in peak season, and dinner is a highlight of any Alta Via 1 stopover.
Location
46.4996, 12.0406
HutLists Score
4.4
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- private
- Season
- June – October
- Beds
- 42
- Dormitory
- 26
- Min hiking time
- 1.3h
- Nearest trailhead
- Bai de Dones (5 Torri chairlift)
- Cable car access
- Yes
Facilities
Showers
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +39 0436 4660
- Website
- https://www.rifugioaverau.it
Activities
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