Refuge Carestia

Rifugio Carestia sits at 2,201m on the eastern flank of Monte Rosa, in the upper Anza Valley east of Macugnaga. Most hikers reach it from Macugnaga village (1,327m) via the Anza Valley trail, a steady 4 to 5-hour climb through pasture and larch forest. The hut is also accessible from Staffal (1,860m) in roughly 2.5 hours. Both routes offer straightforward alpine hiking with minimal technical difficulty. The setting is open moorland with views toward the Monte Rosa massif and the Italian side of the range.
The rifugio has 30 beds split across shared rooms. CAI runs a kitchen that serves half-board meals (dinner and breakfast), and you can order packed lunches. Showers are available—a genuine comfort at this elevation. The hut is typically open from June through September, with weekends often busier than weekdays. The refuge operates as a base for trekkers using the Macugnaga valley and as a waypoint on longer Monte Rosa traverse routes. The facilities are simple and well-maintained, suited to serious hikers rather than casual visitors.
Book by phone with the managing section, CAI Sezione Varallo Sesia. July and August fill fast; aim to reserve at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for those months. June and September typically have availability with shorter notice. Call ahead to confirm opening dates and current meal availability, as operations can shift with weather and staffing.