Instantly recognisable by its red roof, at the foot of the Denti di Terrarossa.
Rifugio Alpe di Tires, in German the Tierser Alpl, stands at 2,440 metres at Passo di Tires, at the foot of the Denti di Terrarossa, on a panoramic perch between the Alpe di Siusi and the Catinaccio Group, inside the Sciliar Nature Park. You cannot miss it: the ruby-red roof has become a small symbol of this part of the Dolomites and a favourite with photographers. The history is recent and tied to the Aichner family. Maximilian Aichner set out to build it in the post-war years, and the work ran from 1957 to 1963. It sits at a key junction on the trails linking the Alpe di Siusi with the Catinaccio.
You walk in from the Alpe di Siusi on scenic trails of various lengths, or come over from the Catinaccio side on group traverses. The kitchen does the usual South Tyrolean food, which hikers tuck into gladly after a day up high. There are around seventy beds split between rooms and dormitories with showers, and the place is in heavy demand for overnight stays on the traverses linking the Sciliar, Alpe di Siusi, and Catinaccio. Stay here and you can break up the long routes of the group in a high setting, with a cracking view of the Denti di Terrarossa.
The handiest starting point is the Alpe di Siusi, from which scenic trails of various lengths lead towards Passo di Tires; otherwise you reach it from the Catinaccio side on group traverses. To get to the Alpe di Siusi you ride the cable car up from Siusi or drive towards Compatsch, where there are paid car parks, bearing in mind that car access to the plateau is regulated with rates and hours to check for the current year. From the car parks or the lift stations you carry on by foot, so plan for a good walk up high to the hut. Summer is the right season, usually late June to early October, when the trails are clear of snow. Given the altitude of 2,440 metres, bring layered clothing and check the forecast before you set off. For lift times and plateau access, check the up-to-date information.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Rifugio Alpe di Tires?
You walk in from the Alpe di Siusi on scenic trails of various lengths, or come over from the Catinaccio side on group traverses.
Can I stay overnight at Rifugio Alpe di Tires?
Yes. It has around seventy beds in rooms and dormitories with showers, and it makes a great base for the traverses linking the Sciliar, Alpe di Siusi, and Catinaccio. Book ahead.
How do you recognise Rifugio Alpe di Tires?
By its ruby-red roof, which has become a small symbol of this part of the Dolomites, at Passo di Tires at the foot of the Denti di Terrarossa.
Where do I park to reach Rifugio Alpe di Tires?
You use the Alpe di Siusi car parks, in the Compatsch area, which are paid. Car access to the plateau is regulated, with rates and hours to check for the current year; otherwise you ride the cable car up from Siusi and carry on by foot towards Passo di Tires.
How long is the walk to Rifugio Alpe di Tires?
It depends on your starting point on the Alpe di Siusi and the trail you choose, since there are trails of various lengths, all up high. Many also reach it on traverses from the Catinaccio. Work out the times for your chosen trail and set off in good time, leaving a margin for the weather.