Rifugio Pradidali

For all AV2 hikers: skip the Rosetta rifugio and hike the extra miles to this hut, which has a better location and much better service. We spend a night at the Pradidali Rifugio during our hike of AV2. The location and surroundings are amazing, with wonderful 360 views. Lots of multi-day hikers and climbers staying here, which adds to the rifugio being a relaxed place to be. We found the service excellent with the girls able to speak English fluently and always willing to think along. For example, a group of four that arrived just before us, were offered to change rooms to a 4-person room as that was still available without them having to ask for it. The food is simple but good. The breakfast is limited, but you can ask for extra bread and coffee and they’ll help you directly. One thing for improvement are the beds: they creak and squeak and the blankets are a bit itchy. We were lucky that the dormitory was only half full, and as such, it was relatively spacious and quiet. Can imagine that a full dormitory can result in a way less comfortable night with all the bed-induced-noises.

I parked my car in Cant del Gal. The parking is 7€ for the whole day, remember to bring coins because that's all the machine accepts. The first part of the hike is very easy close to the river, than it starts to go up, the elevation is around 1100 meters and it's around 6km each way. There are some parts that can make you feel uncomfortable if you are afraid of heights. When you reach the top Rifugio Pradidali is there waiting for you. The staff is amazing and the view is breathtaking. Waking up with that view for sure leaves you speechless. I recommend stopping by!

From the three refugios I visited in this area the least comfortable, but still very good. Expect to pay 6 euros for 15 liters of hot water which is only a few minutes in the shower (since water is scarce over here). The food is good, and staff is friendly. Not too many charging spots, and the beds are a bit close to each other. But: that's all part of the experience.

In short: I would change the structure of my itinerary next time in order not to stay at this rifugio overnight. Definitely go by and take a picture and then keep going. Rifugio Madonna del Velo is a much better option for your overnight stay. Overall this is the worse rifugio I have ever stayed at. Pro: - great views - beautiful spot - lots of delicious home made grappa options. - great panna cotta dessert. - the guy (the owner I believe) is an alpine guide and is willing to help with recommendations on paths, timing, etc. Cons: - extremely uncomfortable and SUPER noisy beds. You cannot move without waking everyone up (including yourself) - very minimal rooms and accommodation much worse than a hostel. No charm, no attention to details, no care. Worse blankets in existence - men’s bathroom was missing the toilet seat entirely. As if men don’t need one… - rude staff. 2 examples: They literally refused to give me a pillow case that was missing from my bed even if it was the only pillow without a pillow case as I arrived. I asked for the shower and received a “we have it…but it doesn’t work”. I asked for a towel and got a “don’t have it, this is a rifugio!” (Which became our slogan for the rest of the trip) - black mold - hope you are not allergic. - very mediocre food (the goulash was so so, the cheese and polenta was ok, the pasta wasn’t very exciting). We got there late and most of the options were also gone and had to take what was left. - no cards payments, cash only. But at least they didn’t make us wash the dishes but let us pay via wire transfer from town.

For all AV2 hikers: skip the Rosetta rifugio and hike the extra miles to this hut, which has a better location and much better service. We spend a night at the Pradidali Rifugio during our hike of AV2. The location and surroundings are amazing, with wonderful 360 views. Lots of multi-day hikers and climbers staying here, which adds to the rifugio being a relaxed place to be. We found the service excellent with the girls able to speak English fluently and always willing to think along. For example, a group of four that arrived just before us, were offered to change rooms to a 4-person room as that was still available without them having to ask for it. The food is simple but good. The breakfast is limited, but you can ask for extra bread and coffee and they’ll help you directly. One thing for improvement are the beds: they creak and squeak and the blankets are a bit itchy. We were lucky that the dormitory was only half full, and as such, it was relatively spacious and quiet. Can imagine that a full dormitory can result in a way less comfortable night with all the bed-induced-noises.