The majestic sceneries of the Italian Alps are also home to some of the world’s most unique mountain huts – called “rifugi” in Italian. Staying overnight in one of these mountain huts will grant you a far more immersive experience. Allowing you to enjoy delicious local cuisine, view amazing sunsets and spectacular clear, star-lit night skies. The Italian Alpine Club operates a significant number of mountain huts on the national territory and sets the rules and behaviors to be observed when approaching them.
Mountain huts are intended to provide food and shelter to mountaineers, climbers and hikers. You’d be surprised to experience how convenient and user friendly they are. Many huts have running water, offer showers (for an additional fee) and electricity. In general, the more frequented the hut, the more facilities you can expect. But make no mistake, due to the remote environment in which they are located, mountain huts are not to be compared to modern city hotels.
That said, here is a list of suggested things to bring with you when choosing a hut to hut multi-day trek. Things (some of which required and/or not provided by the hut’s management) that will surely make your stay much more comfortable and convenient. A medium size backpack (approximately 40 litres of gear capacity) should be big enough to carry all of your needs for a few days.
– SLEEPING BAG LINER – Mountain huts normally come equipped with duvets and pillows which by no means can be washed every day. It is therefore mandatory to sleep inside your own sleeping bag liner in order to keep the sheets clean for the next hiker. We recommend silk liners due to the fact that they are compact and lightweight.
– QUICK DRYING TOWEL – Most huts are provided with running water and have showers (for an additional fee). You’ll want a quick drying medium size microfibre towel for your convenience. You don’t want to put something wet in your backpack!
– PERSONAL TOILETRY – Toothbrush, toothpaste and shower gel. Wet wipes are handy if you decide to skip the shower. Remember however, the more you bring the heavier your backpack!
– SLIPPERS – Slippers used to be provided in all mountain huts, but with the threat of covid-19, hikers are now required to bring their own. If you’re planning on taking a shower opt we recommend plastic ones.
– CASH – Cash is king! Not all mountain huts have credit/debit card payment systems and even when they do, it doesn’t mean they’ll get a good signal to make them work. Always bring enough cash to cover all expenses.
– HEADLAMP – Most mountain huts have electricity (provided by solar panels or generators). Having a headlamp is both useful and courteous. Especially at night if you need to move about or if you arrive and someone is already sleeping in the dorm.
– EAR PLUGS – Although some mountain huts offer private accommodation, rooms are normally arranged as mixed dorms with bunk beds. Sometimes you can hear noise through the walls. Also expect the possibility of sharing a room with a person who might snore as well as the person next door!
– CLEAN AND COMFORTABLE CLOTHES FOR THE HUT – You’ll want a clean shirt, clean underwear, warm socks and a pair of comfortable trousers to change into once you arrive that you can use also as pajamas.
– SPARE BATTERIES/POWER BANK – Charging stations, normally located in common areas will be limited. Depending on the number of guests, there may be a cue of people waiting to use them to charge their devices. To avoid fighting for them and saving time, bringing spare batteries for you and/or a power bank is definitely a good idea!
– ALPINE CLUB MEMBERSHIP CARD – No matter which country you’re from, if you’re registered by any international Alpine Club, bring your Membership Card with you as that may grant you special discounts on accomodation and food prices.
Last but not least, bring with you plenty of…
– COMMON SENSE! – According to the Mountain Huts General Regulations, people visiting or staying in a hut shall, at all times, behave as considerate guests. They should do whatever is in their power to avoid disturbing others (for example silence must be observed from 10 p.m. to 6.a.m. unless otherwise specified and playing music is not allowed) nor should they be asking for more than what the hut, its manager or its caretaker can offer. It is also the guest responsibility to keep the hut and its surroundings clean (for instance hiking boots should be removed before entering the sleeping areas and your trash removed with you when you leave) and not to waste any water. Furthermore, in all mountain huts, smoking is not permitted and animals are not allowed.
Please check the list of Things to bring on a day hike for a list of more essential items that will also apply to multi-day treks. Add to that list rain pants, extra shirts/socks/underwear (one set per day and up to five sets if for a week-long trek), one pair of extra trousers and one extra sweater (middle layer).
Again remember: You pack it, you carry it!