Refuge CAI Pian Cavallone
1.3Rifugio CAI Pian Cavallone
1,530m
Ticino, Switzerland
About
Rifugio CAI Pian Cavallone sits at 1,530m in the Lepontine Alps of southern Ticino, above the Val Verzasca. The hut is reached from Sonogno (the highest settlement in the valley) by a well-marked trail that takes roughly 2.5 hours. You climb through mixed forest and open pasture with views south into the Verzasca gorge. The approach is straightforward and popular with day-hikers as well as those doing longer valley crossings.
The refuge holds 36 beds across several rooms and serves simple meals including hearty soups, pasta dishes, and cheese plates. Hot water and basic washing facilities are available. The CAI (Italian Alpine Club) manages the hut as a simple mountain refuge rather than a resort. It opens from June through September, depending on weather and snow conditions. The setting works well for walkers exploring the Verzasca valley, the Gotthard massif approaches, or doing multi-day traverses into Vallemaggia or eastward toward the Leventina.
Book ahead for weekends and July–August by calling or emailing the managing section, CAI Verbano. Summer weekends fill quickly. Weekday visits outside peak season usually have space available. The hut lies on minor routes so it rarely reaches the crowding of major SAC huts, but confirm opening dates before traveling in late spring or early autumn.
The refuge holds 36 beds across several rooms and serves simple meals including hearty soups, pasta dishes, and cheese plates. Hot water and basic washing facilities are available. The CAI (Italian Alpine Club) manages the hut as a simple mountain refuge rather than a resort. It opens from June through September, depending on weather and snow conditions. The setting works well for walkers exploring the Verzasca valley, the Gotthard massif approaches, or doing multi-day traverses into Vallemaggia or eastward toward the Leventina.
Book ahead for weekends and July–August by calling or emailing the managing section, CAI Verbano. Summer weekends fill quickly. Weekday visits outside peak season usually have space available. The hut lies on minor routes so it rarely reaches the crowding of major SAC huts, but confirm opening dates before traveling in late spring or early autumn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the hut directly by email or phone at least 2–3 weeks ahead, especially for weekends and July–August.
The hut is staffed seasonally; confirm current opening dates by contacting them directly, as Alpine huts in Ticino typically operate June to September.
Hike from Sonogno at the top of Val Verzasca; the well-marked trail climbs 1,530m in roughly 2.5 hours through forest and pasture.
The hut serves simple meals and has 36 beds in shared rooms; confirm availability of showers and other amenities when you book.
Yes—the approach is moderate and straightforward, making it ideal for hikers new to mountain huts and valley crossings.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- 36
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +39 0323 407482; +39 334 989 4081
- Website