Pizzini hut (Rifugio Pizzini, also known under the name Pizzini-Fratola hut) is at the altitude of 2706 meters. It is nicely positioned in the large Cedec valley, with a comfortable access road for a walk from Rifugio Forni, and with numerous other walking paths that converge at the hut.
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The car access from the direction of Bormio and Santa Caterina Valfurva is till the Forni hut (which is a kind of an alpine hotel rather than a hut, at around 2140 m),
While the only road to the hut is from the village S. Caterina, the village itself can be reached from Ponte di Legno, the south approach over Gavia pass, or from Bormio in the northwest direction.
The road from S. Caterina to the car parking at Forni hotel is rather narrow and it can be difficult in the case of some heavy traffic. It is a mountain road and perhaps not for the beginners.
Pizzini hut is a perfect hub for climbing and hiking. The hut is in the shadow of mighty Gran Zebru (Konigspitze) and it is the best starting point for climbing this gorgeous mountain.
Probably due to this early start, there was nobody all the way up to the Pizzini hut. We followed the road, saw a few marmots enjoying the early sunshine, and at some places, we navigated between cows who were grazing around and walking on the road. Within two hours we were at the hut.
From Pizzini hut, we had a clear view of the steep mountain route toward the Casati hut. But the mountain was still under a lot of snow. The guardian at the hut told us (Tibor is fluent in Italian) that it was doable. So we continued in the same direction, at least to see the situation from a more close point, but soon we realized that the first impression we had from the hut was correct.
The plans had to be changed, we did not carry crampons, and Jelena’s shoes were not waterproof. We were not prepared for this, so we started going back in the direction of the Pizzini hut.
The weather conditions were not optimal, there was a good chance for rain, but still Jelena suggested that we try getting up to the Zebru pass (3005 m), which raises in the northwest direction above the valley and above the Pizzini hut. We could see some groups of climbers moving in that direction.
The pass in fact contains two passes with routes connecting the Cedec valley with Zebru valley in the north, hence the name Passi di Zebru. Some maps show a hut on the pass but it is good to know that it is not there any more. So we decided to tackle Passi di Zebru and started our ascent without getting back to the hut. The route to the pass is nice but far from easy, the altitude takes its toll. Nevertheless we managed it, and here are a few photos showing the atmosphere on the pass:
After staying for a while at the pass we descended to Pizzini hut and took a good rest. The place is pleasant, they offer good food and various sorts of drinks, there is a toilet with running water in the basement.
There was a good apple pie and here you see Jelena’s happy face after trying it. Tibor was the cameraman, and he made this photos while enjoying a full meal. Later, we descended by following a pleasant path which was much higher above the road we used in the morning.
We had rain on the way back, but we had some waterproof stuff and did not care too much. There were a lot of people around all the way down.
This was an all-day tour, demanding by all means, we reached over 3000 meters after climbing the height difference of more than 840 meters. But we enjoyed every moment of it. Happy faces on the photo above only confirm this.
I can recommend this tour to anybody. Even if you do not go any farther from the Pizzini hut, you will have a great day in nature and in an incredibly beautiful environment. In view of our own experience, if you plan to continue to Casati hut it is good to heavy any kind of crampons in the rucksack. We were in mid-summer and obviously we needed it.
Crampons are usually a heavy peace in your rucksack so at least some kind of G4free%2012-Teeth Ice/Snow Boot Shoe Covers Spike Cleats Crampons Gripper Climbing Walking Outdoor![""]("http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mountaiforeve-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00PA6UNKQ")
Regarding water, at around half-way up to Pizzini hut, there is a water source with drinkable water. And you may get it at the hut as well. If you are choosy in drinking water outside, perhaps it is a good idea to have some See here how it was later in the same area when I visited it again.
Equipment
You do not need any special equipment to do this route. Here is a short summary:
| Recommended | Essential |
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Accommodation:
There are many possibilities for renting apartments in the nearby valleys. This is an area popular both in summer and in winter.
Please leave your comments below, we shall be happy to read them.
Daggok says
Hi I love the landscapes it looks so peaceful, I have never been in such of altitude before but I think looking at that landscapes would be well worth it.
Great site by the way is nice how you tell your experiences it does sounds like is a real passion for you.
Best of lucks keep doing what your doing !
Jovo says
Hi Daggok, thank you. Yes, it is a real passion, you noticed correctly. All the best to you too.
Maria Rosa Martinez says
I have to tell you that what you do is awesome, not many people take the time originality to publish the places that they visit! the pictures were really nice.
Keep documenting those beautiful places.I’l look for to see more postings of this site. Take care. i really like the concept and the structure of the website.
Jovo says
Thank you Maria, your words mean a lot to me.
Ramirez says
Back to your site once again. A couple of week ago I was on your site and I tell you what, I love every bit of it. I doubt if there are many people out there doing what you do by sharing your personal experiences to the world.
I love adventure too and there is a mountain in my country and I doubt if what you have here can compare with it. It is 4100 in height and I’ve made an adventure to the top once. It was absolutely amazing and one to remember although there were periods which brought a lot of fear. I think overall mountain adventure is good but has it’s own degree of danger.
Jovo says
Hi Ramirez, thank you very much. So you have been up to 4100 meters. I know the feeling, have been a few times at such altitudes. Best luck to you.
Marie says
Sounds like a great day out and the pictures are definitely stunning.
I’m only an amateur walker and you mentioned this was August and even then the weather could have turned. Would you have a timespan when the best weather is in this area for walking and when to definitely avoid?
Jovo says
Hi Marie, thank you for visiting my site. Regarding the season, it is the matter of preference. I would never go in winter because you cannot walk around, this is under deep snow. This particular area is not so high, access roads are good so the mountaineering seeson is long. I would say May-October or even May-November you will have great time there.
MilenaLo says
Hi Jovo, i am from Sydney, Australia and do a lot of hiking around my city. I belong to a bush club, which also organizes hikes overseas, including the Alps. I love your post on Pizzini hut and checked out few others, especially on the Italian Alps. Your photos really bring the hike to live and your maps are especially helpful. I am originally from Europe and planning to visit a friend in Carrera, Italy next year. I think your site offers some excellent ideas for hikes we may do. I am bookmarking it and will be definitely checking your future posts!
Jovo says
Hi Milena, thank you for visiting my site and for the comment. I can see from your name that your roots are probably from the area where I myself was born. Let me know in future of you need any information about the Alps. In particular the southern part of Switzerland, Wallis, is the area where I have visited practically every valley.
Javier says
Wow that’s huge. It’s super high mountain. I really love the way you explain and the screenshots you use of your journey. Also didn’t know that there is a tool that is more lighter to carry out the water than a backpack. It’s very important to be prepared with all the necessary equipment in journeys like this. But it’s a lot of fun, well done my friend
Jovo says
Hi Javier, thank you for the comment, regardless what you have had in mind with it. There are some sentences which I am not able to understand completely. One thing we can surely agree, it is a lot of fun indeed.
Alex says
I am a hiker and love articles especially like yours! I have never been to any mountain in Italy yet, and this is definitely going to be on my list!
You have compiled a great post here. One question though, when will be the best time to climb to Pizzini hut? you also mentioned you saw some group of climbers and I wonder if it is getting popular and when will be the best time to go in order to avoid the crowd?
Jovo says
Hi Alex, Pizzini hut is a popular destination, you will hardly avoid crowd. As for the best time, we were there in summer time but I do believe it is accessible throughout the year. The access is long but pleasant and not steep so doable in any conditions, perhaps on skis in winter time. But I am in mountains only in summer and that is the time which I would recommend to you.
Merceadez says
Wow your site is so interesting. The Pizzini hut look beautiful in the photos. I have always wanted to go mountain climbing but never got the chance too yet. I don’t live near any mountains. I love the photography on your site. You look so happy just to be there.
Jovo says
Hi Merceadez, great to read your comment. I can understand you, I also live 1000 km from the nearest mountains, in the lowest part of Europe. Yes we were indeed happy out there. This is how I feel every time when I am in mountains, my cathedrals as I call them.