Val Gerola, located in the Orobie Valtellinesi Park, is a well-known place during the winter season for its ski resort with four slopes. It is, in addition, also popular during the summer for its many hiking trails. Let's see, then, what are the 7 refuges in Val Gerola where to take a break during a day in the mountains.
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1. Falc Shelter
Falc Shelter
Rifugio Falc is located at an altitude of 2120 meters and was founded after World War II by the Milanese company of the same name, which purchased and renovated an old hut below Pizzo Varrone.
Over the years, the hut has been renovated and expanded, but has retained the same welcoming spirit. Good home cooking is served, and there are several indoor and outdoor areas for dining.
For overnight stays, there are two large dormitories and bunk beds with sheets and blankets, but it is required to bring your own sheet bag.
How to Reach the Falc Shelter?
The route to the Falc Refuge begins in Laveggiolo (1485 meters), a charming historic village where you can leave your car. From here, a dirt path enters Val Vedrano, crosses the stream of the same name, and then climbs up the opposite slope until you reach Rifugio Trona Soliva (1907 meters).
The trail then continues through the pasture, and at the junction take the left trail, while going right to the Trona Mouth. The trail continues in the direction of the dam, with a final uphill section leading to Lago Inferno (2072 meters), and finally to Rifugio Falc (2120 meters).
Contacts and Opening Period.
- Manager of the refuge: Elisa Cielok
- Manager's phone number: 328 3432751
- Refuge phone number: 331 7884452 WARNING! NO SMS
- Email: info@rifugiofalc.it
- Open June through September
2. Benigni Refuge
Benigni Shelter
Rifugio Benigni is owned by the CAI Alta Valle Brembana Section and is located at an altitude of 2222 meters, in the Salmurano Valley, near Lake Piazzotti. Its construction began in 1982 thanks to the work of members of the CAI Alta Valle Brembana Subsection and the contribution of the Benigni family, in memory of Cesare Benigni, who died in 1981 on Pizzo del Diavolo di Tenda.
Over the years, improvements have been made to the hut, including the addition of a small winter room with eight beds and an expansion in 2007 that resulted in a new dining room, a more spacious kitchen, two restrooms and a small bar room.
How to Reach the Benigni Shelter?
The route to the Benigni Refuge begins at the Pescegallo parking lot (1473 meters) and follows a dirt road that winds along the side of the ski slope until it reaches the flat area where the Salmurano Refuge (1848 meters) is located. From here, trail number 145 continues through the basin to the Salmurano Pass (2017 meters), which marks the border between Valgerola and Val Brembana.
From this point, the trail continues to the right through a gully, which requires a careful ascent among the rocks following the red-and-white markers. Once you reach the summit, a flat area opens up, and from here you proceed for one last stretch until you reach Rifugio Benigni (2222 meters) and Lago Piazzotti.
Contacts and Opening Period.
- Manager: Elisa Rodeghiero
- Manager's phone: 340 7714820 - 338 8653719
- Refuge phone: 0345 89033
- Open from June to September
3. Salmurano Refuge
Salmurano Refuge
Rifugio Sal murano is the service building associated with the ski lifts and was built in 1965 in conjunction with the lift company. This alpine hut is located at an elevation of 1850 meters above sea level, right at the foot of the Salmurano Mouth. It offers refreshments and overnight accommodations in one of its 11 rooms.
How to Reach the Salmurano Refuge?
The walk to the Salmurano hut starts from the square of the Pescegallo chairlift (1473 meters) and completely follows the dirt road. Initially, the trail runs to the left of the chairlift and then immediately shifts to the right. The trail continues to climb meandering through a series of switchbacks until it reaches the flat area where the hut is located.
Contacts and Opening Period
- Manager: Paola Spandrio
- Phone for reservations: 3333839040
- Email: segreteria@rifugiosalmurano.it
- Open all year round
4. Court Shelter
Refuge of the Court
Rifugio Della Corte, located at 1250 meters above sea level, is owned by the parish of Sacco, a hamlet of Cosio Valtellino, and was built in 1920. Part of the building is dedicated to a small church that is still consecrated.
Inside, the dining room can accommodate about 20 to 35 people, while during the summer, outdoors under a gazebo, it is possible to dine in the company of another 50 people.
How to Reach the Refugio della Corte?
The route to reach Rifugio della Corte starts in Mellarolo (825 meters) where you can park along the main road. You go through the village following the markers, then continue on Via Ronchi and take the steps to the right to reach the mule track. The path climbs through the woods, becoming steep in some sections, then becomes a mule track again and finally a dirt track.
You continue left at the fork at elevation 945 meters, passing through the villages of Fontane and Ronchi. You cross a bridge over the river, reaching the road coming from Rasura. Continue, then, to the right at the fork following the sign indicating "Rifugio della Corte".
Contacts and Opening Period
- Manager: Elisa Montani
- Manager and refuge telephone number: 340 3433090
- Open all year round
5. Refuge Bar Bianco
White Bar Shelter
Rifugio Bar Bianco is located at an altitude of 1,500 meters and is owned by the Adda Vegia farm. It offers exclusively bar and restaurant service including several typical local dishes on the menu, such as polenta and pizzoccheri.
How to Reach Rifugio Bar Bianco?
The departure to reach the Bar Bianco refuge is from the Ciani locality and the route to follow is marked by the number 124. It will take you to the Bar Bianco hut in about 20 minutes of walking. Alternatively, you can also reach the shelter by car and then walk along the various trails in the area.
Contact and Opening Period
- Manager: Tiziana Borromini
- Manager phone: 329 401 9065
- Email: tizianaborromini@yahoo.it
- Open all year round
6. Alpe Stavello Refuge
Alpe Stavello Refuge
Rifugio Alpe Stav ello is located at an elevation of 1944 meters and consists of several structures. The main structure, called Baitone, includes a kitchen, dining room and three rooms with attached toilets. Next to the Baitone is a stable. Near these two structures there is also the "casera," which includes a small residential area, a cheese maturing cellar, and a technical room.
How to Reach Rifugio Alpe Stavello?
The walk to reach the Alpe Stavello hut begins in the vicinity of the Bar Bianco hut (1506 meters), which has a parking lot nearby, and is accessible by following the road from Rasura to Alpe Culino. The route follows a track located higher than the hut, which leads to the GVO - Gran Via delle Orobie trail, which must be followed until reaching Alpe Stavello.
Contacts and Opening Period
- Managers: Walter and Vilma
- General info: 335 5651 250
- Reservations: +331 7400 409
- Email: rifugioalpestavello@gmail.com
- Open from June to September
7. Trona Soliva Refuge
Trona Soliva Refuge
The Trona Soliva Refuge is located at an elevation of 1,907 meters and shares a facility with the Casera of the alp of the same name, of which it was once a part. The hut offers refreshment facilities and overnight accommodations.
How to Reach the Trona Soliva Refuge?
The starting point for reaching the Trona Soliva hut is the village of Laveggiolo (1485 meters), which offers parking facilities. The trail begins as you enter Val Vedrano and will take you to the small bridge crossing the Vedrano stream, located near Baite Grasso (1664 meters). Continuing on the trail on the opposite side of the valley and facing an uphill section, you will leave the forest and enter the Stone Valley. Here, the panorama opens up further, with Pizzo dei Tre Signori and Pizzo di Trona becoming visible. Rifugio Trona Soliva (1907 meters) is about a 30-minute walk from this point.
Contacts and Opening Period.
- Manager: Marco Rabbiosi
- Manager phone: 346 5436747 - 346 3911380
- Refuge phone: 338 7518900
- Open from May to September
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Gerola Valley offers many opportunities to immerse yourself in mountain tradition and enjoy beautiful alpine landscapes. Its mountain huts are important places to keep in mind that will allow you to regain your energy during your field day and enjoy some excellent local dishes.
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