Castiglioni Marmolada

Built in the early 20th century by Bavarian mountaineers from Bamberg, the Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada was bombed during World War II and then rebuilt in the thirties by the Milan branch of CAI (Italian Mountaineering Club). The refuge is dedicated to mountaineer Ettore Castiglioni and its dining room windows afford a magnificent view of the Marmolada, Queen of the Dolomites, its north side covered ... by the glacier whose meltwaters flow into Lake Fedaia in summer. The decor (carefully maintained over the years) evokes a mountain atmosphere of times gone by. The refuge is owned by the Soraruf family, who also own the Capanna Punta Penia, the highest refuge in the Dolomites on top of the Marmolada. Open From early May to early November From Christmas to 10 January From late January to Easter Before leaving for your hike, always contact the manager to verify the actual opening of the mountain hut Walks From Passo Fedaia it’s possible to undertake the ascent of Punta Penia (summit of the Marmolada) along the normal route over the glacier. The route requires mountaineering skills and you should be accompanied by a mountain guide (1 ½ hours to Pian dei Fiacconi plus 3 ½ hours on the normal route to Punta Penia; the route can be shortened by taking the ski lift up to Pian dei Fiacconi). The Marmolada can also be climbed by the (difficult) West Ridge via ferrata (3 ½ hours) which begins at Forcella Marmolada (where you can also descend to Rifugio Contrin). On the side of the valley opposite the Marmolada, the Rifugio Viel Dal Pan can be reached in 1 ¾ hours, or you can climb the via ferrata delle Trincee from Porta Vescovo to Passo Padon with magnificent views across the glacier (3 hours, medium difficulty).