11 gourmet mountain huts

There are plenty more taste gourmet mountain huts in Lombardy. Here are just 11 where you can take a gourmet break at over 2,000 metres!

Polenta and grilled meats, platters, cold cuts and cheeses... These are the last prize after having walked the paths that lead to 11 gourmet mountain huts in Lombardy. Refuges that touch the sky, surrounded by the beauty of an absolute nature. From the Parco dell’Adamello to the Val Zebrù, here are our tips.

Casoncelli alla Bergamasca, Pizzoccheri, Lepre in Salmì and Polenta Taragna… even better if accompanied by a glass of Sfursàt... The cuisine of Lombardy was born, like many other cuisines, from simple traditions that are still alive today in valleys where every territory has a history made of typical local products, often produced on the mountain pastures.

The Associazione Gestori Rifugi Alpini ed escursionistici della Lombardia (Association of Managers of Alpine Huts and Hikers of Lombardy) has awarded the “Rifugi del gusto” label to numerous huts: 28 are open in the summer too. Of these we have chosen 11, between 2,000 and 2,877 metres, with the consideration that the longer the walk to get there, the more the final prize will be well-received!

For thos who are less fit, don’t worry. Here there is the complete list. Ps If you want to sleep at the hut, book direct and well in advance, as many of the huts have only few beds.

Rifugio Campo — In the heart of Val Zebrù, at an altitude of 2,000 m, this is the ideal destination for a trip with children. The menu is based on the ingredients available in the kitchen, and everyone can choose his dish. Don't miss the polenta with eggs and speck or with sausage. On request it is possible to organise animal spotting trips with a typical dinner to follow. An opportunity to discover the Parco dello Stelvio.
Info: tel +39 0342 929185
Ph IG: alessandra1490

Rifugio Zoia — This is an excellent base for those who want to discover the Valmalenco. At 2,021 m, in the heart of the Bernina Group, it offers a unique view of the mountains and the valley, but at the same time it is only 5 minutes walk from the car park, where the road ends. Its strengths? The cellar with a fine variety of labels selected from the producers of the Valtellina. There is no shortage of home-made tarts and to end with... a good glass of genepì!
Info: www.rifugiozoia.it
Ph: rifugi.lombardia.it

Rifugio F.lli Longo — For those who want, there is also a jeep service from Carona, in the heart of the Val Brembana, but the beauty of the place lies in getting there on foot along a path dating from the First World War; a walk that takesr about 2 hours at a good pace. The hut offers excellent and tasty cuisine in a sparkling environment. The menu ranges from the classic polenta with mushrooms and braised beef with crespelle with pumpkin, asparagus and local taleggio cheese. The altitude? 2,026 m.
Info: +39 034577070

Rifugio Stella Alpina — We are at the beginning of the Val Cedéc, at 2,061 m, almost at the end of the section of road open to the public that comes from Santa Caterina Valfurva. From here, it takes almost exactly 1 hour on foot to the hut. The speciality here is taroz with mushrooms accompanied by a Valtellina red wine. Don't miss the cervo in salmì. If you wish, it is possible to book a themed dinner.
Info: tel +39 0342 925272

Rifugio Chalet dei Rododendri — In Valdisotto, at 2,160 meters above sea level, here is a family-run restaurant, perfect for a trip with children or if you’re a little out of training. It has a beautiful terrace with a panoramic view of the valley. The kitchen offers malfatti, sciatt and pizzoccheri from Valtellina, pork and roast knuckle and also a fantastic trio of desserts. Don't miss the apple fritters!
Info: www.chaletdeirododendri.com
Ph IG: sonderby_visual_storytelling

Rifugio Gnutti — The Serafino Gnutti hut is located at an altitude of 2,166 m in the wild Val Miller, in the heart of the Parco dell'Adamello. Every day, the chef Gianluca prepares excellent dishes from the valley’s tradition and beyond. The local cold cuts and cheeses are excellent, accompanied by Valle Camonica wine or fresh craft beers. Homemade desserts complete the menu.
Info: www.rifugiognutti.it
Ph IG: walking_mara

Rifugio Ghiacciaio dei Forni — In the Stelvio National Park, at a height of 2,200 m, the Forni hut has an enviable position at the centre of the Ortler-Cevedale Group, just 5 km from Santa Caterina Valfurva. The kitchen offers old recipes handed down from grandmother and new specialities. Among the appetisers, a delicious quiche with local cheeses. Among the first dishes, don’t miss the rye flour ravioli stuffed with vegetables.
Info: www.forni2000.com
Ph IG: emmed.it

Rifugio Benigni — The Cesare Benigni hut is located in the Parco delle Orobie Bergamasche at the beginning of a small plateau, at 2,222 metres. It enjoys a magnificent view, ranging from the peaks of the Masino-Bregaglia Group to the Disgrazia. For food, the hut serves local specialities: a single dish with polenta, beef stew, mushrooms and cheese, house wine, coffee and aged grappa. What more could one want?
Info: www.rifugiobenigni.com
Ph IG: albefoga

Rifugio Tita Secchi — Surrounded by a natural paradise, at the foot of the south face of the Cornone del Blumone, for over 20 years the Tita Secchi hut, 2,367 m above sea level, welcomes hikers and mountaineers, immersed in the uncontaminated nature of the Parco dell’Adamello. In the kitchen every day Alda produces real delicacies. The main course? The “melted” dish: a mix of cheeses melted in the oven, to be enjoyed with polenta.
Info: rifugiotitasecchi.it
Ph IG: robertaabeni

Rifugio Pizzini — The Pizzini hut stands at 2,706 m at the head of the Val Cedèc, on a grassy spur in a splendid glacial cirque enclosed to the north by the bulk of the Gran Zebrù. The hut is the starting point and destination for excursions on foot or by mountain bike. For gourmands, it offers spelt soup, home-made gnocchetti, tagliatelle with chestnut sauce and pizzoccheri. And for dessert? Crême brûlée with a glass of bombardino.
Info: www.rifugiopizzini.it
Ph IG: riccardi_stefano

Rifugio Quinto Alpini Bertarelli — Located on a spur of rock that looks out towards the Bernina group, the hut stands at 2,877 m and is the starting point for numerous ascents and excursions, with the glacier just 3 minutes’ walk away. The restaurant offers typical Valtelline cuisine with local products from the malga, and baked foods from the nearby Baita del Pastore, at an altitude of 2,152 m.
Info: www.rifugioquintoalpini.it
Ph IG: marti_sce

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