Refuge Carlo Emilio
1.2Rifugio Carlo Emilio
2,153m
Graubuenden, Switzerland
About
Rifugio Carlo Emilio stands at 2,153m in the Albula Alps of Graubünden, accessible via a 2.5-hour hike from Preda (1,799m) in the Albula Valley. The route climbs steadily through alpine meadow and sparse larch forest, gaining 354m with minimal technical difficulty. The refuge sits on the Flix Pass approach, placing it on the standard north-south crossing for this region.
The refuge sleeps 16 across simple rooms. The CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) operates it year-round, serving hot meals and drinks. You'll find drinking water on-site and flush toilets; there are no showers. The hut works well as an overnight stop for the Flix Pass crossing or as a base for day ascents on nearby peaks including Piz Dua (2,826m). It's genuinely basic—come for the location and the walking, not the comfort.
Book directly by phone with CAI di Como well in advance. July and August fill quickly; aim for at least 2 weeks' notice during peak season. The hut's remoteness and small capacity mean it rarely reaches overcrowding outside high summer. Winter access depends on snow conditions—confirm current status before attempting a winter approach.
The refuge sleeps 16 across simple rooms. The CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) operates it year-round, serving hot meals and drinks. You'll find drinking water on-site and flush toilets; there are no showers. The hut works well as an overnight stop for the Flix Pass crossing or as a base for day ascents on nearby peaks including Piz Dua (2,826m). It's genuinely basic—come for the location and the walking, not the comfort.
Book directly by phone with CAI di Como well in advance. July and August fill quickly; aim for at least 2 weeks' notice during peak season. The hut's remoteness and small capacity mean it rarely reaches overcrowding outside high summer. Winter access depends on snow conditions—confirm current status before attempting a winter approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Call ahead to reserve—the hut is small with only 16 beds, so book at least a few weeks before your trip, especially in summer.
The CAI operates it year-round, but conditions and staffing vary; confirm availability by phone before visiting in winter or shoulder seasons.
Hike 2.5 hours from Preda (1,799m) via a steady alpine trail gaining 354m with no technical difficulty—straightforward but unrelenting.
The hut has drinking water, flush toilets, and serves hot meals and drinks, but no showers.
Yes for the hiking approach (non-technical trail), but the hut is basic and suited to hikers doing the Flix Pass crossing rather than casual overnight visitors.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- 16
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Flush toilets
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +39 0343 34540
- Website
- https://rifugi.cai.it/shelters/921600603