Refuge Città di Novara

Rifugio Città di Novara sits at 1,474m in the Valais Alps, on the Italian side of the border near Villadossola. Reach it from the village of Macugnaga by hiking up the Anza Valley—allow 2 to 2.5 hours for the steady climb through pasture and larch forest. The hut serves as a base for day walks across the surrounding meadows and as a waypoint on longer routes into the high peaks of the Monte Rosa massif.

The refuge has 24 beds spread across multiple rooms. Showers are available—a rarity at this elevation that makes a stay here more comfortable than many Alpine huts. The CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) manages the hut, and meals are provided; expect simple Italian mountain fare. The hut typically operates year-round, though weather and staffing may affect winter access.

Contact the managing section directly by phone to check availability and current conditions before heading out. Summer weekends fill quickly, so book at least a month ahead for July and August. Spring and autumn offer quieter hiking with more reliable bed availability. The hut's low elevation and accessible location make it popular with families and less experienced hikers, so expect more crowding than remote high-altitude refuges.