From Santa Caterina it is possible to reach one of the countless refuges on the surrounding mountains. These walks, immersed in nature, represent the best way to appreciate and admire all the charm and beauty of the Stelvio National Park, the living heart of our Alps.
During these hikes, it is not uncommon to see all the flora and fauna of these beautiful mountains, passing from large coniferous forests to rocky screes, retracing all the history, geological and human, of these mountains.
These are the best refuges we recommend:
Stella Alpina Refuge
The refuge is located along the asphalt road that connects Santa Caterina to Forni, after about 3 km. The refuge can be easily reached by car or on foot. Transit is allowed from March to November, and reservations are always recommended. The phone numbers are: 331.6676177 – 371.4343425.
Forni 2000 Refuge
The refuge is located in Forni, where parking is available. For those who wish to reach the refuge on foot, the asphalt road is about 4 km long with moderately challenging sections. Transit is allowed from March to November, and reservations are always recommended. You can contact the facility at the following numbers: 329.8920668 – 0342.935365, or directly on the website: www.forni2000.com.
Branca Refuge
The Branca refuge is a mountain location, located at about 2,500 m, where you can admire up close the splendid glacier of Forni. Possibility of refreshment and lodging. The refuge can be reached by continuing the drivable road starting from Forni, about 1 hour of walking, or through the characteristic glacier low or high trail. You can contact the facility at the number 0342.935501, or directly on the website: www.rifugiobranca.it.
Pizzini Refuge
The Pizzini refuge, located in Val Cedec at 2,700 m, is an important transit point for alpine excursions and climbs of the peaks of the Ortles Cevedale mountain group. The refuge can be reached on foot from Forni after a trek of about 1.5 hours. On reservation, in summer, it is possible to use a jeep. The phone numbers are: 0342.935513, 340.8946284; this is the website of the facility: www.rifugiopizzini.it.
Casati Refuge
The Casati refuge, located in Val Cedec at 3,200 m, allows you to experience and admire the entire alpine landscape of high altitude: surrounded by the perennial snow of the glacier, it is the meeting point for all excursions and climbs organized by alpine guides. The refuge can be reached on foot from the Forni parking lot after a walk of about 3.3 hours. Open only in summer, it can be contacted at the following numbers: 0342.1856578 – 339.4889791.
La Baita Refuge
Alpine location of the Val Zebrù, 1890 m, is an important passage and refreshment point in this valley. You can reach the facility on foot starting from the Niblogo/Fantelle parking lot, and walking for about 1.45 hours. The phone number of the facility is: 0342.1895103.
Campo Refuge
The Campo refuge is located in the splendid and characteristic Val Zebrù, at about 2000 m, in the living heart of the Stelvio National Park. From the Niblogo/Fantelle parking lot, it can be easily reached with a walk of about two hours. The phone number of the facility is: 345.2240772.
Quinto Alpini Refuge
Splendid refuge located at 2,877 m, ideal point to admire the glacier of the Ortles Cevedale group. The refuge is a starting point for all excursions and climbs organized by alpine guides on the glacier, with the possibility of staying overnight. To reach the refuge, you start from the parking lot in Niblogo/Fantelle and follow trail 29 (which runs all the way up Val Zebrù); average travel time: 4.3 hours. The phone number is: 377.2295748.
Bonetta Refuge
Transit location to cross the Gavia Pass, very popular with cyclists and motorcyclists. The refuge is located at 2,600 m right on the pass road. The phone numbers of the facility are: 0342.945793 – 0364.91806.
Berni Refuge
Passing refuge located on the Gavia Pass road, at 2541 m. Starting point for numerous walks and excursions towards Mount Tresero and Val Umbrina. For reservations and information: 0342.935456.