Bivacco Alpe Pluni

Bivacco Alpe Pluni sits at 1450m in the Val Piora, a valley in southern Ticino that rewards hikers with accessible high terrain and limestone scenery. Reach it from the Ritom dam car park (45 minutes by car from Biasca), then hike 2.5 hours across open slopes to the hut. Alternatively, approach from the Lucomagno Pass area or via the Piora valley itself—multiple valley crossings make this hut a natural hub for linking longer alpine routes through Ticino's less-crowded terrain.
The bivacco is a small, unmanned refuge that sleeps around 12 people on basic bunks and a floor. There is no guardian, no meals, no running water. Bring a stove, fuel, and all supplies. The hut sits in pasture country, making it a practical base for wandering the limestone plateaus that characterize the Piora region, or for mountaineering approaches to peaks like Pizzo Scai or Basodino. Open year-round, though winter access requires avalanche awareness. The building is sturdy and regularly maintained by local volunteers.
Check conditions before departing—the SAC Ticino section maintains basic information. Bring a headtorch, warm layers, and enough water or purification tablets. The hut fills slowly outside of July and August, so walk-ins are usually possible. Cell coverage is unreliable; don't depend on it for emergency contact.