Salei

At Rifugio Salei, passion for the mountains meets high society. Ask warden Alex Monteleone to open his photo album and you’ll see how many celebrities from the worlds of sport, politics and entertainment have stopped at this refuge on the border between Val Gardena and Val di Fassa, which in winter is at the centre of the Sella Ronda ski tour. A 15-minute walk from Passo Sella (in winter you can take ... the ski lifts), this refuge is a relaxing place to enjoy Ladin cuisine, sunbathe while the children play on the meadows, and for an overnight stay in the mountains. During the skiing season the Rifugio Salei is transformed into a lively meeting place with events and concerts. Open WINTER: from the beginning of December to early April SUMMER: from mid-June to the end of September Before leaving for your hike, always contact the manager to verify the actual opening of the mountain hut. Walks The Refuge is on the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto Tour (5 hours, difficulty E), which passes the Friedrich August (30 minutes), Sandro Pertini (1 hour 10 min) and Sasso Piatto (2 hours) refuges. Go over the Forcella Sassolungo (on a steep path or by cable car) to get to Rifugio Vicenza (2 hours, difficulty EE). Col Rodella (with Rifugio Des Alpes and the Rifugio Col Rodella) can be easily reached in less than an hour.