Rifugio San Marco

Rifugio San Marco is a historic alpine mountain hut (rifugio) located at 1,823 metres above sea level on the Col de chi da Os in the municipality of San Vito di Cadore, in the province of Belluno, Italy. It sits in the heart of the Eastern Dolomites, surrounded by the massive dolomitic walls of the Antelao, Sorapiss and Marmarole groups. The hut is one of the few in the region that still preserves its original 1895 structure, and it is known for its small, welcoming character and for the sense of a bygone atmosphere that visitors often describe as being 'on a corner of paradise'. It is run by a family that gives it a distinctive, personal touch. The rifugio was opened on 29 September 1895 by the Venetian Alpine Club (Venezianischer Alpenverein). Its first innkeeper was Angelo Del Favero, known as 'Aucel', from San Vito di Cadore, who had acquired good English skills during a stay in America and was thus well prepared for international guests. Angelo and his family managed the hut from 1895 to 1951, more than half a century. After his death, his son-in-law Joseph Zwigel, called 'Bepo todesco', took over, and later passed it to Lucia De Lucia, who ran it alone. In 1990 the hut passed into the hands of the Ossi Marino family, which continues to operate it today. As a mountain hut, Rifugio San Marco offers typical alpine hospitality: food, drink and overnight accommodation for hikers and climbers. It is a key base for ascents of the Antelao, the Cima Scotter, peaks of the Sorapiss group and the Torre dei Sabbioni. It is also a stage on several long-distance routes, including the Alta Via Amelia, the Giro del Sorapiss, the Giro delle Marmarole and the Attraversata dei Ghiacciai dell'Antelao. The hut can be reached in about two hours from San Vito di Cadore or from the hamlet of Chiapuzza. Transitions lead to the Rifugio Galassi (1.5 hours) and Rifugio Vandelli (4 hours), as well as to the bivouacs Bivacco Slataper (2.5 hours), Bivacco Voltolina (3.5 hours) and Bivacco Comici (5 hours). The rifugio is open seasonally, typically from mid-June to late September. For the 2026 season, the official website states it will be open from 14 June to 27 September 2026. Reservations and information are handled by email and telephone. The hut maintains a web presence with weather information, a webcam and video content, and it is listed by the CAI Veneto. Its address for correspondence is Via F. Ossi 16, I-32046 San Vito di Cadore BL, Italy.

Rifugio San Marco was opened on 29 September 1895 by the Venetian Alpine Club (Venezianischer Alpenverein). Its first innkeeper was Angelo Del Favero, nicknamed 'Aucel', from San Vito di Cadore. He had spent time in America, where he acquired good English skills, making him well suited to host international guests. Angelo and his family managed the rifugio from 1895 to 1951, a period of more than half a century. After his death, his son-in-law Joseph Zwigel, known as 'Bepo todesco', took over the hut. He later handed it over to Lucia De Lucia, who ran it alone. In 1990, the hut passed into the hands of the Ossi Marino family, which continues to operate it. The hut is one of the few in the Dolomites that still preserves its original 1895 structure. It remains a small and welcoming place, described by many as being 'on a corner of paradise'. It is managed by a family that adds a touch of whimsy, keeping things special as in the old days. The rifugio sits on a hill at the edge of the vegetation line, in the centre of three large massifs.

• 1990

  Management passes to the Ossi Marino family.

• 1951

  End of the Del Favero family's management after more than half a century.

• 1895

  Opened on 29 September by the Venetian Alpine Club; first innkeeper Angelo Del Favero.

A small, historic, family-run alpine hut in the Eastern Dolomites, preserving its original 1895 structure and offering a traditional mountain hospitality experience.

• Alpine hut accommodation

• Meals and refreshments

• Overnight stays

1. 1Rifugio San Marco official websiterifugiosanmarco.com
2. 2Rifugio San Marco - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3Rifugio San Marco - Wikipedia (German)de.wikipedia.org