About
Rifugio Valbona sits at 1,804m in the Prealpi Bellunesi, a limestone range north of Belluno in Veneto. Reach it from Ponte delle Travi (950m, on the road between Forno di Zoldo and Colle Santa Lucia) via the Valbona valley. The walk takes 2.5 hours on a clear trail that gains 850m through beech forest and alpine meadow. The hut also connects to routes toward Fedare (2,050m) and links into the broader Dolomites trekking network. Early morning starts are essential in July and August to avoid afternoon crowds on the steep sections.
The refuge holds 60 beds in shared rooms. It serves hot meals at lunch and dinner; book dinners by 10am if you haven't pre-arranged them. Water comes from a spring; the hut has basic toilet facilities but no showers. It opens Easter through October, weather permitting. The guardian lives on-site year-round and will take walk-in guests outside the main season if the hut is open.
Contact the hut directly by phone (0437 789001) or email. Book rooms 4–8 weeks ahead for July and August. The hut is managed independently, not by a club, so check availability and conditions before arriving. The access road to Ponte delle Travi can be rough after heavy rain.
The refuge holds 60 beds in shared rooms. It serves hot meals at lunch and dinner; book dinners by 10am if you haven't pre-arranged them. Water comes from a spring; the hut has basic toilet facilities but no showers. It opens Easter through October, weather permitting. The guardian lives on-site year-round and will take walk-in guests outside the main season if the hut is open.
Contact the hut directly by phone (0437 789001) or email. Book rooms 4–8 weeks ahead for July and August. The hut is managed independently, not by a club, so check availability and conditions before arriving. The access road to Ponte delle Travi can be rough after heavy rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book by phone as soon as your trip dates are set, especially for July and August weekends; contact details are on rifugio.net or cai.it. Single weekday visits in shoulder season need less lead time, but don't assume space in peak summer.
Staffed June through September; exact opening and closing dates vary by year, so confirm before traveling. Outside summer, it's unstaffed and closed to overnight guests.
Start from Ponte delle Travi (950m, on the road between Forno di Zoldo and Colle Santa Lucia) and follow the Valbona valley trail for 2.5 hours, gaining 850m through beech forest and alpine meadow to the hut at 1,804m. The path is clear and well-marked.
Expect simple dorm beds, hot meals (dinner and breakfast), and basic washing facilities typical of a summer mountain hut; bring a sleep liner to reduce laundry wear on communal bedding. No hot showers—this is a working mountain hut, not a hotel.
The hike is moderate but steep (850m gain in 2.5 hours), so it suits hikers with baseline fitness; families with strong walkers aged 12+ manage it fine, but not young children. Start early in July/August to beat crowds and heat on the exposed upper sections.
Location
45.8708, 11.2606
HutLists Score
4.0
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Activities
Free Packing Checklist
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