HISTORY

The Piero Garelli Refuge, located at 1,970 meters in the heart of the Ligurian Alps, is one of the most important landmarks for hikers crossing the Marguareis Natural Park. Its history began in 1950 when the Mondovì section of the CAI decided to build a refuge in memory of Piero Garelli (1905-1945), a lawyer, mountaineer, and local CAI president, who was deported and died in the Mauthausen-Gusen II concentration camp during World War II.

The first refuge, inaugurated on June 18, 1950, was a temporary structure made from metal prefabricated materials salvaged from war remnants. It could accommodate 18 people, providing a basic but essential shelter for mountaineers of the time. In 1962, damage caused by heavy snowfall made the first renovation necessary, leading to the construction of a more resistant reinforced concrete shell.

In 1968, the refuge underwent a major reconstruction, resulting in a larger and more comfortable structure with 80 beds. On September 22 of the same year, the new refuge was officially inaugurated and became a key destination for hikers, mountaineers, and mountain lovers.

However, in November 1987, a devastating fire completely destroyed the refuge. Thanks to the commitment of CAI Mondovì and, above all, the hard work of many volunteers, the reconstruction was completed in just three summer seasons—a record time for a project of this scale in a mountain environment. The new refuge, designed by architect Gian Bertarione from Cuneo, was inaugurated on October 13, 1991. It has a capacity of 90 beds, a kitchen, common areas, and a winter room, which is always open as a support and emergency shelter for hikers and mountaineers.

Since 1980, the refuge has been managed by Guido Colombo, a key figure in its recent history. Together with his wife, Adriana Ferrua, who has always actively contributed to its management, Guido has made the Garelli a warm and welcoming refuge. Over time, their children have also joined the activity: Simone Colombo supports his father by managing the kitchen and customer relations, while Mattia Colombo, although less involved, helps with the refuge’s work when needed.