A historic hut in the heart of the Catinaccio, at the foot of the celebrated Torri del Vajolet.
Rifugio Vajolet stands at 2,243 metres in the heart of the Catinaccio Group, just below the Torri del Vajolet, the vertical spires that helped write the history of Dolomite climbing. The hut has been here a long time. The first building went up in 1897, put up by the Leipzig section of the Alpenverein, with several extensions through to 1912, before it passed to the SAT of Trento in 1923. Climbers and walkers have been making their way up to this rocky bowl for generations. It is one of the starkest, most striking spots in the western Dolomites.
You reach it on foot from Val di Fassa, usually starting around Ciampedie or from Vigo di Fassa with the lifts, then heading up Val Vajolet, often by way of Rifugio Gardeccia. The kitchen leans Ladin and Trentino, just the thing after the climb. It is open roughly from mid-June to the end of September and has plenty of beds, so it works well if you want to wake up under the Towers and get an early start on the ferratas and trails of the Catinaccio.
The starting point is Val di Fassa, usually the Ciampedie area or Vigo di Fassa, where the lifts take the first climb off your legs. You leave the car in the car parks below the lifts, then carry on by foot up Val Vajolet, often by way of Rifugio Gardeccia. Check the current year for lift and parking fees, as they change from season to season. The hut is open roughly from mid-June to the end of September, so it is a summer destination. If you want an early start on the ferratas and trails of the Catinaccio, sleep here and set off in the cool, before the paths fill up.
Services & info
Trails passing through Rifugio Vajolet
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Rifugio Vajolet?
You walk in from Val di Fassa, usually starting around Ciampedie or from Vigo di Fassa using the lifts, then up Val Vajolet, often by way of Rifugio Gardeccia.
Can I stay overnight at Rifugio Vajolet?
Yes. It is a roomy hut, open roughly from mid-June to the end of September, and it makes a great base for the Catinaccio and the Torri del Vajolet. Book ahead in high season.
What makes Rifugio Vajolet special?
It sits right under the Torri del Vajolet, vertical spires that are among the great symbols of Dolomite climbing, and it has a history going back to 1897.
Where do I park for Rifugio Vajolet?
In the car parks below the lifts in Val di Fassa, usually around Ciampedie or at Vigo di Fassa. From there you ride the lifts up and then walk up Val Vajolet. You cannot drive to the hut, so plan on a stretch on foot either way.
When is Rifugio Vajolet open?
Roughly from mid-June to the end of September, so it is a summer destination. During that window the lifts that shorten the climb also run. Out of season the hut is closed and the high trails may still hold snow.