There’s nothing quite like waking up in a mountain hut in the Dolomites—fog curling around the peaks, warm coffee in hand, and a hearty breakfast waiting after a night of deep sleep from a rewarding day’s hike. Learning how to make a reservation at a rifugio ensures you can experience this magical moment seamlessly.

But before you get there, you’ve got to tackle the most confusing part for many first-time hikers: how to make a reservation at a rifugio

I remember my first time planning a multi-day trek in the Dolomites. I was full of excitement—and totally overwhelmed. Some huts had websites with no booking option. Some only listed a phone number. Then feeling relieved that I could book through an agency like bookatrekking.com

This post will walk you through everything you need to know regarding how to book a room at a rifugio!

How to Make a Reservation at a Rifugio: Step-by-Step

If you’re new to Dolomites trekking, learning how to make a reservation at a rifugio can feel overwhelming—but it’s easier than it seems.

Rustic cabin amidst scenic mountain peaks, lush greenery, and clear skies in the Dolomites.
Lorenza Magnaghi/ Pexels

What Is a Rifugio?

A rifugio (plural rifugi) is a staffed mountain hut in the Alps, especially common in Italy’s Dolomites.

They’re part of the region’s deep-rooted hiking culture and offer food, lodging, and basic comforts right in the heart of the mountains.

They’re not luxury hotels, but they’re charming, warm, and unforgettable.

There are a few types of accommodations in the Dolomites you might see:

  • Rifugio – Staffed huts offering dorms or private rooms, usually with dinner and breakfast (called half-board).
  • Bivacco – Unstaffed shelters, usually very basic, sometimes without running water.
  • Malga/Agriturismo – Mountain farm stays, which sometimes double as overnight stops with meals and unique experiences.
A picturesque alpine shelter bathed in sunset light beneath towering snowy peaks.
Photo by Marek Piwnicki/Pexels

When to Book a Rifugio

If you’re hiking in July or August, book as early as possible—I am talking 6-7 months in advance.

Popular huts fill up quickly, especially those along routes like the Alta Via 1 or 2.

These two trails have gotten so busy in the recent years and I hesitate telling solo hikers to just show up and you’ll get a bed.

Rifugios cannot deny you and they can find a spot for you. Remember the whole point of a rifugio is to seek shelter.

  • May–June: Lower trails may be open, but most high-altitude rifugi are still closed due to snow.
  • July–August: High season. Expect crowds but great weather.
  • September: Quieter trails, but some huts start closing mid-month.
  • October–June: Most huts are closed, with a few exceptions for ski touring or winter hiking.

Personal Insight: I tried aimlessly to book the last half of my Alta Via 1 for 2025 in November of 2024, and bookatrekking informed me they were already sold out!

I wanted to book an overnight stay at Lagazuoi Refuge and can you believe they only have 3 dates open on their calendar? for 2025 season?! Wow right?

How to Find Rifugi Along Your Route

Start with your trail plan and make your reservation for a rifugio along the Alta Via 1 and 2 many online guides will list recommended overnight stops.

Resources I recommend:

  • Tabacco Maps – Excellent detailed maps of the Dolomites with rifugi marked. You can buy these when you land at stores throughout the Dolomites. Better yet why not download this app — TABACCO MAPS
  • Cicerone Guides – In-depth trail books with hut suggestions.
  • Bookatrekking.com – Some routes allow you to book huts through a service.
  • CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) – Lists all the huts in Italy with contact info and one easy reservation system.
Stunning view of Vajolet Towers in the Dolomites, Italy, reflecting on icy ground with a mountain hut.
Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger/Pexels

How to Make a Rifugio Reservation

Here’s the part that scares most people—but it’s honestly easier than it looks! I have included screenshots of the Lagazuoi Reservation system just so you can get a feel for what it looks like!

1. Check for an official website

Search for “Rifugio + name” on Google. Some huts have a website with an online form or email address. You’ll want to look for:

  • “Prenotazioni” (Reservations)
  • “Contatti” (Contact)

2. Send an email (or call if needed)

If there’s no online form, you can send a simple email. Here’s a template in English and Italian:

Subject: Reservation Request – [Your Name] – [Date]

Email (English):
Hello,
I would like to book a reservation at your rifugio for [number of people] on [date].
We would like half-board if possible (dinner and breakfast).
Please let me know if you have availability.
Thank you very much!
[Your Name]

Email (Italian):
Ciao,
Vorrei prenotare una notte al vostro rifugio per [numero di persone] il [data].
Vorremmo la mezza pensione se possibile (cena e colazione).
Mi fate sapere se c’è disponibilità?
Grazie mille!
[Your Name]

You can use Google Translate to tweak things, and most hut keepers are used to receiving emails in English or mixed English/Italian.

If they don’t reply after 4–5 days, feel free to follow up or call using WhatsApp.

What Info You’ll Need to Provide For your Reservation at a Rifugio

When you email or fill out a form, include:

  • Full name
  • Date of arrival
  • Number of guests
  • Half-board request
  • Dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, allergies)
  • CAI membership (optional but can give discounts)

Payment & Confirmation For your Reservation at a Rifugio

  • Many rifugi require a deposit—usually via bank transfer (bonifico) or credit card– Wise is a good service to use.
  • Some only accept cash at check-in—especially remote huts.
  • Once confirmed, you’ll often receive an email reply with a written note like “Confermata la prenotazione” (reservation confirmed).

Print or screenshot your confirmation. Some don’t send formal booking links.

Tips for Easier Booking

  • Start early: Especially for huts on AV1 and AV2.
  • Book direct: Even if there’s a third-party option, direct booking is often cheaper.
  • Use Google Translate in browser when viewing Italian-only websites.
  • Call if stuck: Many rifugisti are friendlier than you expect and happy to help.

Bonus: Rifugio Etiquette

  • Bring a sleeping bag liner – required in almost all rifugi.
  • Leave boots in the designated area – many huts provide hut slippers.
  • Quiet hours start around 10 PM – respect others sleeping nearby.
  • Don’t skip meals – if you reserved with half-board, they expect you at dinner.
  • No shoes in dorms – ever!

These are cozy, communal spaces—respect goes a long way.

Final Thoughts: Booking a Rifugio is Part of the Adventure

Once you know how to make a reservation at a rifugio, the whole trek feels more accessible and exciting—you’ll be hiking with confidence in no time and you’ll feel like a true Alpine adventurer.

Whether you’re hiking the Alta Via 1, chasing sunrise views over the Marmolada, or just staying overnight after a big hike near Cortina—there’s something unforgettable about sleeping above the clouds in a warm, friendly hut.

If you’re planning your trip to the Dolomites, check out:

Have questions? Drop them in the comments or send me a message on Instagram @kimberlykepharttravels. I’d love to help you plan your hut-to-hut journey!

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