Rifugio Garelli

OUR PHILOSOPHY: HOSPITALITY, TRADITION, AND SUSTAINABILITY

The Garelli Refuge is a home for mountaineers and all mountain lovers, a place where you can feel welcomed in a family-like and accessible environment.

Our kitchen is simple, inspired by tradition, with special attention to local products and those with a low environmental impact. We follow sustainable practices throughout the production process: from choosing raw materials to their transport and disposal. To reduce waste, we have eliminated single-use products whenever possible, opting for lightweight and reusable packaging.

Thanks to a project from the Parco Alpi Marittime, the refuge uses a phytodepuration system for the natural treatment of wastewater, helping to reduce our environmental footprint. We also use eco-friendly cleaners and practice waste separation to minimize waste. For transporting supplies, we optimize the use of helicopters and rely as much as possible on our mule, Buddy, promoting sustainable resource management.

Our commitment is to offer authentic hospitality, respecting tradition while leaving as light an imprint as possible on the mountain that hosts us.

SEASONAL OPENINGS OF THE REFUGE

The Garelli Refuge is open during different times of the year, depending on the weather conditions in the mountains.

In the summer, from June 1st to September 30th, the refuge is open continuously, offering meals, half-board, and full-board options. In spring, from Easter until May 31st, we welcome guests on weekends, but only with a reservation. The refuge is also open on weekends in October, again with a reservation. The openings in spring and autumn may change based on weather conditions, so we recommend contacting us in advance to confirm.

When the refuge is closed, the winter room is always available. This room has 12 beds with blankets and pillows, and it's open all year round for hikers.

We always recommend making a reservation, as it helps us provide the best service. For groups, we can consider special openings at other times.

Please note that weather conditions and snow can make hikes dangerous. We encourage you to contact us for updated trail information and to let us know your destination.

FOOD

ROOMS

THE REFUGE

PETS WELCOME AT THE GARELLI REFUGE

Pets are welcome at the Garelli Refuge, but to ensure a peaceful environment for all guests, we ask you to follow a few rules.

Pets are allowed only in the common areas and must always be kept on a leash. It is important that they are used to being in indoor spaces, around other people, and other animals.

For the night, the refuge provides a dedicated, enclosed area equipped with blankets for pets. Again, pets must be accustomed to staying alone in this space. We always try to place pet owners in rooms near this area for greater peace of mind.

For organizational reasons, please inform us about your dog when making your reservation, so we can accommodate you accordingly. If you prefer, you can also stay in your own tent while still using the refuge’s services.

Please note that the refuge is located within the Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime, which has specific regulations for dogs. We encourage you to check the official park website for all the necessary information.

About 100 meters from the refuge, there is a stable that houses our mule Buddy and has two spots available for those traveling with pack animals.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND RENEWABLE ENERGY AT THE GARELLI REFUGE

The Garelli Refuge is designed to be nearly energy self-sufficient, thanks to the use of renewable sources and careful resource management. Most of the electricity is produced by two hydroelectric turbines from IREM: the first, installed in 1984, generates 3.5 kW and previously powered the old refuge, while the second, more powerful turbine, was added in 1996 with a capacity of 15 kW. This system has the great advantage of generating energy continuously, 24 hours a day, and any excess electricity is used to heat water, preventing waste.

To ensure a steady energy supply, the refuge combines several energy sources: the kitchen is powered by both electricity and gas, optimizing consumption and helping during times when hydroelectric production is low, such as in winter when the water is frozen or in summer during drought periods. Supporting the main system, there are two blocks of photovoltaic panels that provide energy for emergency communications (telephone and rescue radio) and for lighting the winter room. Additionally, an emergency generator is available for safety purposes.

The refuge’s energy efficiency is further improved through good management practices, such as careful meal planning, the use of low-energy appliances, and optimizing their use to ensure they run at full capacity. This approach helps reduce the environmental impact while providing maximum comfort for guests.

WASTE AND WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT

Managing waste at high altitudes is a complex challenge, which is why we ask for the active cooperation of our guests in minimizing waste production during their stay.

At the Garelli Refuge, we pay special attention to product selection, favoring those with lightweight packaging and minimal packaging. The weight of waste itself is a crucial factor: everything transported to the refuge or brought back down has a cost, both in economic terms when transported by helicopter, and in terms of load capacity when using pack animals. An animal can carry about a quarter of its body weight, even less on the way down, so optimizing transport is essential.

At the refuge, we separate about 90% of waste. We have a composting system for food scraps, a handmade but efficient system for crushing and storing glass, and we compress metals. Plastics are washed and stored in bags, while paper (except that used for lighting the stove) is compressed and stored. To further reduce waste, we use traditional dishes and plates, eliminating single-serving portions, except for some specific foods like gluten-free products.

For wastewater management, with support from the Parco Alpi Marittime and as part of the ALCOTRA project, a phytodepuration system was installed in 2013. This experimental system has yielded excellent results and is the first of its kind at such a high altitude.

ROOMS

The refuge offers around 90 beds for guests, plus 4 reserved for staff. Accommodations are divided into 9 simple rooms: bunk beds are available in 6, 8, and 10-bed rooms, while the larger 12 and 16-bed rooms have wooden platform beds. Each guest is assigned a bed, and whenever possible, families or small groups are accommodated together, depending on availability.

FOOD

The kitchen at the Garelli Refuge is a place of tradition, family, and hospitality. Every dish tells a story, passed down with passion from Adriana to her son Simone, now the refuge’s chef. Our cuisine is born from a love for authentic flavors and the desire to offer our guests a warm, genuine experience.