Refuge Corte Nuovo

Rifugio Corte Nuovo sits at 1635m in the Val Bavona, Ticino, deep in the southern Swiss Alps. Reach it from Fontana by hiking 3 hours up the valley, following the river past traditional stone villages. The hut is a modest building in a high pasture, backed by granite walls. Access is hiking-only; there are no road approaches. The terrain is steep and exposed in places—this is genuine mountain country, not a resort valley.
The refuge is tiny: 6 beds across two rooms, run as a simple walkers' hut. Meals are available if you book ahead. Water comes from the stream; toilets are outside. There is no electricity or running water. The hut operates year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions and your own mountain skills. It appeals to experienced hikers and mountaineers doing multi-day traverses, not casual day-trippers.
Book directly with the guardian. Phone ahead before arriving, especially in July and August, and to confirm meals are available. Winter visits require advance warning. The hut fills on weekends in summer and during the hiking season (June to September). Access is isolated enough that you need to be self-reliant—carry a headtorch, warm layers, and a map.