Bivacco Penne Nere

Bivacco Penne Nere sits at 1,430m in the Ticino Alps, in the Val Colla region near Lugano. Approach from Pura or Aranno by hiking the Val Colla trail, which takes roughly 2 hours to reach the hut. The route gains 500m steadily through mixed forest and alpine meadow. Most hikers use the bivacco as a staging point for climbs in the surrounding limestone peaks, particularly Pizzo di Vogorno (2,240m) and the Passo di Nara traverse.
Bivacco Penne Nere is a simple emergency shelter maintained by local mountaineers. It offers basic dormitory sleeping for around 8–10 people on wooden bunks with mattresses. There is no running water, no heating, and no food service. Bring your own sleeping bag and all supplies. The shelter has a small stove you can use to prepare hot drinks. The hut opens year-round, though snow can make winter access difficult; most activity runs May through October.
This is a true bivacco—minimalist by design. Check conditions before heading up, especially in shoulder seasons. There is no guardian and no phone signal. Respect the space and leave it clean for the next party. For information about access or current conditions, contact local hiking groups in Lugano or the Ticino SAC section. Do not rely on this hut for emergency shelter without knowing its exact status; always carry a backup plan.