Rifugio Melezè

Rifugio Melezè is an alpine hut (rifugio escursionistico) and restaurant located at 1,812 metres above sea level in the upper Varaita di Bellino valley, in the Cozie Alps of the Province of Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy. It sits near the hamlet of Sant'Anna, close to the end of the provincial road that climbs from Casteldelfino, and is classified as an excursion hut under Piedmontese regional legislation because of its easy road access. The building is a two-storey stone masonry structure that was recovered from a former military barracks. Its ground floor houses a bar, kitchen and dining room seating about 50, while the upper floor contains six or seven wood-panelled rooms with a total of 50 beds. It has running water, hot showers, indoor toilets and an electrical system. The hut belongs to the parish of Roccaforte Mondovì and is open all year. The name Melezè means 'larch wood' in Occitan. The rifugio serves as a base for hiking, mountaineering, ski touring, snowshoeing and ice-climbing courses, and it rents snowshoes, cross-country skis and via ferrata equipment. It is also a starting point for traverses to the Bivacco Boerio, Rifugio Maljasset in France, Rifugio Savigliano, Capanna Sociale Carmagnola and Rifugio Campo Base. In winter a cross-country ski track is available nearby. The official website promotes family stays, local cuisine, free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly policies and events such as New Year 2026 celebrations, an astronomical observatory opening until 31 December 2026, a Ferragosto barbecue on 15 August 2026 and a storytelling evening with Katjusa on 25 July 2026.

Rifugio Melezè occupies a building that was originally a military barracks (casermetta) in the upper Varaita di Bellino valley. It was later recovered and converted into an alpine hut. The structure is a two-storey stone masonry construction. The ground floor now contains a bar, restaurant and kitchen, while the upper floor has six or seven wood-panelled rooms providing a total of 50 beds. The hut is owned by the parish of Roccaforte Mondovì and has been open all year. It is classified as an excursion hut under Piedmontese regional law due to its easy access by car and bus. The name Melezè derives from the Occitan word for 'larch wood'. Over time the rifugio has become a base for outdoor activities including ski touring, snowshoeing, ice climbing and via ferrata, and it rents equipment for these pursuits. It also serves as a starting point for high-altitude traverses to other huts and passes in Italy and France. The official website highlights ongoing events and services such as free Wi-Fi, accessibility and pet-friendly policies.

• Building originally constructed as a military barracks

• Converted into an alpine hut and opened year-round

• Classified as an excursion hut under Piedmontese regional legislation

• Official website launched at meleze.it

Family-friendly, year-round alpine refuge combining traditional mountain hospitality with outdoor sports and nature experiences.

• Overnight lodging (50 beds)

• Restaurant and bar service

• Rental of snowshoes, cross-country skis, via ferrata equipment

• Event hosting (New Year, Ferragosto, storytelling)

1. 1Rifugio Melezè official websitemeleze.it
2. 2Rifugio Melezè – Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3Rifugio Melezè – Wikipedia (Italian)it.wikipedia.org