A mountain hut in the heart of the Sella massif, at the top of the Tridentina via ferrata.
Rifugio Cavazza al Pisciadù sits at 2,585 metres in a rocky bowl in the Sella Group, above a small lake of clear water. Most people know it as the top of the Ferrata Brigata Tridentina, one of the most popular via ferratas in the Dolomites. Guide Germano Kostner laid it out in 1960 with help from the alpine troops, and the suspension bridge added later is what makes the route instantly recognisable. The setting up here is hard and grand: vertical walls, towers, and the wide high plateaux the Sella is known for. The hut belongs to the CAI Bologna section, and it doubles as a key stop for anyone crossing the whole massif.
The usual way up is the Tridentina itself, which climbs from the Passo Gardena area to the hut. Rather skip the cables? There is a hiking trail instead, though it is longer and more of a slog. After the ferrata the mountain cooking at the Pisciadù feels well earned, and with roughly fifty beds it makes a good base if you want to string together Sella traverses over the next few days. It is quiet up here, the real high-hut atmosphere, well away from the crowds packing the passes below.
The natural base is the Passo Gardena area, where the Ferrata Brigata Tridentina starts and climbs up to the hut at 2,585 metres. You leave the car in the car parks along the pass road, near the start of the ferrata, and from there it is all uphill. Anyone who would rather skip the cables takes the alternative hiking trail, longer but without the equipped sections. There are no lifts or useful shuttles for the approach here, so plan to walk either way. The good season is summer, roughly from early summer to late September, when the ferrata is in condition and the hut is open. Out of season the bowl stays in shadow and snow can stop you early.
Services & info
Trails passing through Rifugio Pisciadù
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Rifugio Pisciadù?
Most people climb the Ferrata Brigata Tridentina, which runs from the Passo Gardena area up to the hut. If you would rather skip the cables, there is a hiking trail instead, but it is longer and harder.
Can I stay overnight at Rifugio Pisciadù?
Yes. It has around fifty beds and works well as a base for traverses of the Sella Group. Book ahead, especially when the ferrata is busy.
Do I need experience to reach Rifugio Pisciadù?
For the Tridentina, yes. You need proper via ferrata gear and some experience on equipped routes, including the crossing over the suspension bridge. Even the hiking trails ask for a good level of fitness.
Where do I park for Rifugio Pisciadù?
In the car parks along the main road in the Passo Gardena area, near the start of the Ferrata Brigata Tridentina. From there you go up on foot only, as there are no lifts to shorten the approach to the hut. In high season the spaces near the start fill up early, so arrive in the morning.
What is the best season for Rifugio Pisciadù?
Summer, roughly from early summer to late September, when the hut is open and the ferrata is clear of snow. The Pisciadù bowl stays in shadow for a long time, so out of season ice on the equipped sections can make it dangerous. Always check conditions before you set off.