Refuge Calzolari-Pona al Telegrafo

Rifugio Calzolari-Pona al Telegrafo sits at 2,147m on the Telegrafo Pass in the Dolomites, on the border between Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Reach it from the Passo Ghedina carpark (2,000m) in roughly 1.5 hours on a well-marked trail, or approach from Cortina d'Ampezzo via the Tre Croci Pass. The hut serves as a junction point for routes across the high Cortina basin and toward Ra Gusela and the Sorapis group.

The rifugio has 40 beds across simple dormitory rooms and a few doubles. Half-board is available at fair prices. Meals focus on Veneto mountain cooking: casunziei, spätzle, and local cheeses. The bar serves espresso and grappa. Water comes from mountain springs. There's no shower, but you can wash hands and face. The hut opens mid-June through September, closing during snow. Phone calls work sporadically due to altitude and weather.

Book by phone 1-2 months ahead for July and August weekends. Contact the hut directly—they don't use online systems. Expect crowds on summer Saturdays and during local holidays. This is a genuine working rifugio, not a tourist restaurant: many visitors eat lunch only and continue hiking. Arrive by mid-afternoon to guarantee beds. Winter ascents are possible but require mountain skills and coordination with the managers.