How to get to Pizzini Refuge in Lombardy
Rifugio Pizzini is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 2,706m (8,877ft) above sea level, located in the Lombardy region of Italy. It's one of the highest roads in the country.
Where is Pizzini Refuge?
The hut is located in the Province of Sondrio, in the northern part of the country, in the Cedec Valley. A small gravel 4x4 trail beyond the hut climbs up to Laghi di Cedèc, at 2,833m (9,294ft) above sea level.
When was Pizzini Refuge built?
The first refuge, Capanna Cedeh, built in 1887 and inaugurated in 1888, was destroyed during the Great War. Restored in 1924, it was rebuilt in 1926 and dedicated to the memory of Luigi E. Pizzini, a well-known Milanese mountaineer, by a group of his friends. They donated it to the Cai section of Milan, and in 1948 they oversaw its restoration and enlargement, as well as the construction in 1963 of an auxiliary building, which took its name from their association: Zeledria.
The refuge was again enlarged and renovated thanks to the bequest of Mrs. Mary Frattola, and assumed the new name “Pizzini Frattola” in memory of Alpini General Carlo Frattola and his son Augusto, who perished on the Cima Grande di Lavaredo.
In 2002, the refuge was completely renewed, making stays comfortable. The rooms were refurbished, some with private facilities and hot showers, and central heating was installed.
How long is the road to Pizzini Refuge?
The road to the refuge is totally unpaved, very narrow, and steep. It’s for 4x4 vehicles only. It is a mountain road not for beginners. Starting from I Forni, the road is 4.4 km (2.73 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 520m, and the average gradient is 11.81%.
Is the road to Pizzini Refuge open?
Set high in the Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, the road is usually open from mid-June through mid-September. The road is open only to authorized vehicles.