Overnight at a Mountain Hut

Rifugio Casinei – Brentei – Tuckett

Day hike is great but if you really want an adventure hiking to unique and remote places then hut to hut hiking is the best choice. Hut-to-hut hiking involves walking along a mountain trail during the day and staying overnight at mountain huts. For novice hikers especially those who have kids, this allows you take on longer hikes without needing to carry huge loads such as tents and food items. This journey is written in 2 separate blog. This blog shares the journey from Rifugio Casinei to Rifugio Brentei.

Rifugio Casinei

In a small clearing between the Vallesinella and Val Brenta, the Rifugio Casinei is the first hut that many hiker will encounter in their hikes to Brenta Dolomites. From here you can set out for the other rifugio of these mountains.

Rifiguo Brentei

Rifugio Brentei (2182 m) stands in a wide grassy space in the central part of Brenta Dolomite. The grandeur of the environment surrounding the refuge is incomparable: the vertical walls of the Punte di Campiglio and Cima Mandron rise from the grassy expanse.

Hike Description

What is Hut to Hut Hiking?

Hut to hut hiking is a magical experience and it can be a fun alternative to tent camping. It can provide you with the same adventure but with the convenience and comfort of mountain hut. With a place to stay and eat, there is no need to carry heavy loads of tent, sleeping bag, or food. All the things that you will need are your clothes, rain gear, water, and snacks during the day.

Mountain huts are numerous across Europe, from the Alps to the Dolomites. There are huts too in other parts of the world but not as extensive as in the European countries. These huts could range from basic shacks with shared sleeping areas to elaborate lodges with private quarters and hot showers. Most huts provide a bunk bed with a mattress with communal bathrooms and in-house restaurant. While mattresses and pillows are provided, you’ll usually be required to bring your own sleeping bag liner.

Trail Description

The route begins in Vallesinella, at the mountain hut of the same name. You take trail 317, which passes a wooded section partially characterised by roots and stairs. After walking for about 60 minutes, you reach Rifugio Casinei (1825 m). After a necessary break, you continue, taking trail 318 with directions for Rifugio Brentei. The path begins to climb above the vegetation and follows a diagonal route leading to the “Valle del Fridolin” fork (2043 m).

Continue to follow trail 318 (Sentiero Bogani). The path is partially dug out of the rock, with a few walkways and tunnels: truly picturesque. The path then climbs once again and, passing beneath the incredible western cliffs of the “Punte di Campiglio”, you reach a panoramic ledge where Rifugio Brentei is located. We took approximately 4 hours to complete the hike.

Rifugio Brentei Information

The Rifugio Brentei is situated at 2,182 m on wide grass terraces in the upper part of the Val Brenta. This mountain hut, which has an iconic status in the Dolomites, represents the starting point for the most important climbs in the Brenta area.

The hut is open from mid-June to mid-September. It has 90 beds (some private rooms with 4 to 6 beds, other in dorms). There is also a winter room with 14 beds.

Rifugio Casinei

Initial climb is a pleasant hike through the woods with well maintained path. We took roughly an hour to Rifugio Casinei for our lunch.

: The route begins at Vallesinella.

: Crossing the bridge to the woods.

: Crossing a river. Look very peaceful.

: Initial climb through the forest.

: Reach the hut in 60 mins

: Having a good lunch at the hut.

After a refreshing lunch, we are all ready to continue the hike.

Hike to Valle dei Frodolin

William and his trademark facial expression.

This is the first time my brother join us for the hiking trip. Kind of hope that the weather is favorable.

After an hour of hiking, we started to see less tree and more of dolomite iconic rock mountain.

The cliff on the right is the western cliff of “Punte di Campiglio” where our hut is situated.

Sentiero Bogani Trail

The path is partially dug out of the rock, with a few walkways and tunnels: truly picturesque. But due to the heavy rain and fog, we did not see much. It is important to check weather forecast before hiking. We still continue as we have already booked the hut.

Although hiking in the rain is an experience and adventure on its own; it is not particularly pleasant and comfortable when you are wet and cold, and if you do not have the right “water-proof” clothing. There are some parts where rocks are very slippery; care must be taken when hiking in the rain and most important of all, to have a good hiking shoes.

Heavy rain as forecast. We are prepared for the rain but not thunderstorm.

After hiking for an hour in rain, even William starting to get frustrated. He is usually the most energetic among all.

Took some pictures when there is a slight break in the weather.

A Glimpse of Rifugio Brentei

We arrived just in time for the rain to stop and the mist to disappeared. After hours of hiking in the rain, a glimpse of Rifugio Brentei revealing itself is truly awesome.

Feeling relief reaching the destination on time. Was worried that the hut will not reserve our room if we are too late.

There are many hiking routes here connecting to other mountain huts. We will hike to Rifugio Tuckett after staying a night.

A little stone church to commemorates those who lost their lives in the mountains.

The sun comes out miraculously just to reveal the grandeur of this place

Rifugio Brentai

Mountain hut is not as comfortable as a hotel, but when you are wet, cold, hungry and tired; it feels like a place from heaven. We managed to book a room for 6 person, which means its more quiet and has more privacy compared to sleeping in a dorm. This hut is very popular in the summer as it is located in the center of Brenta Dolomites; where many hiking and climbing trails are nearby. You will meets lots of mountaineer here too

This is where we are going to stay for the night.

Views from the opposite side.

Enjoying the surrounding before it gets dark.

We stay on a private room located at 2nd floor. Third floor are large dorm room.

Loves the rooms. It is small as expected but clean and with good views.

William fighting with Nicholas for their preferred bed.

The dinner exceed our expectations. They gave us so much and we are so full. A great way to end the day.

A Night at the Rifugio

Sleeping at a high altitude, surrounded by the silence of nature and the unique atmosphere of the mountain is pure magic! For cityfolks, this experience is worth trying. In addition, for 50 euro per person, you will also get a 4-course dinner and breakfast !! Unbelievable..since the hut is really secluded.

Sleeping in the hut has its drawback too. Even though the hut is generally clean, taking a cold shower during cold nights is unbearable. I think I am spoiled with having hot water in my own house. The other drawback is once you have booked it is difficult to readjust your hiking plan. On our trip, we have to brave through heavy rain in order to reach the hut.

When you wake up, you are welcomed with this awesome view. Early morning and late evening is a good time for you to ventured outside and enjoy the stillness of the surrounding mountains.

After a good night rest, we continue our hiking adventure to another Rifugio; Rifugio Tuckett. Click below to continue the journey

Journey to Rifugio Tuckett