Rifugio Emilio Comici
A gourmet mountain refuge at the foot of Sassolungo, offering exquisite seafood, fine wines, and breathtaking Dolomite panoramas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the best views and weather
Rifugio Emilio Comici
Best Time
Enjoy the best views and weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A gourmet mountain refuge at the foot of Sassolungo, offering exquisite seafood, fine wines, and breathtaking Dolomite panoramas.
"The views are amazing and you could also snag a beach chair to have a quick rest or laze whilst enjoying the great views."
🎯 Book Your Table Early
Reservations are crucial, especially for dinner. Don't miss out on their gourmet offerings!
⛰️ Layer Up for Comfort
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Bring layers to stay comfortable, even on sunny days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gourmet Seafood in the Mountains
Restaurant
Experience exquisite seafood dishes, a rare treat at this altitude. A must-try for foodies!
Panoramic Sassolungo Views
Terrace
Breathtaking vistas of the iconic Sassolungo group await. Perfect for photos and soaking in the scenery.
Futuristic High-Tech Toilets
Restrooms
Surprisingly modern and clean facilities that offer a unique, high-tech experience.
Cozy Panettone & Champagne
Bar/Restaurant
Indulge in delicious panettone and a glass of champagne for a luxurious mountain treat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Dress for Mountain Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Table Early
Reservations are crucial, especially for dinner. Don't miss out on their gourmet offerings!
⛰️ Layer Up for Comfort
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Bring layers to stay comfortable, even on sunny days.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for hiking and exploring the trails around the rifugio.
✨ Try the Seafood Specialties
A unique mountain dining experience with excellent fish and seafood dishes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Table Early
Reservations are crucial, especially for dinner. Don't miss out on their gourmet offerings!
⛰️ Layer Up for Comfort
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Bring layers to stay comfortable, even on sunny days.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for hiking and exploring the trails around the rifugio.
✨ Try the Seafood Specialties
A unique mountain dining experience with excellent fish and seafood dishes.
📸 Don't Miss the Views
The panoramic views of Sassolungo are stunning. Perfect for memorable photos!
🚽 Check Out the Toilets!
Seriously, they're high-tech and surprisingly clean. A unique feature!
🥂 Indulge in Champagne
Enjoy a glass of champagne with your meal for a touch of luxury.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rifugio Emilio Comici is celebrated for its breathtaking mountain views and surprisingly gourmet dining, especially its seafood specialties. While some find booking difficult and prices higher than average, the unique experience, high-tech facilities, and excellent service make it a highly recommended stop in the Dolomites.
"If you are doing the Sassolungo route, you definitely should put this as a stop for your route!
The views are amazing and you could also snag a beach chair to have a quick rest or laze whilst enjoying the great views.
Service was also amazing and you would feel right at home.
The toilets are also clean and futuristic.
Food is great as well and the price although more than usual, is reasonable as it is a place high up in the mountains."
Warren Song
"We biked up in late September, such a nice place to stop and have a drink and great meal in the middle of a long day mountain biking. Francesco was our server and is the absolute best. Incredibly generous host and he's the reason we're coming back in the winter!"
Clark Bockelman
"Great place to stop towards the end of hiking the Sassolungo loop. Don’t miss the high tech toilets. Beautiful views of Sella mountains with Sassolungo mountains behind. Enjoy the slide next to the hut! Very fun. Note that the kitchen isn’t open all day."
Jane N
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rifugio Emilio Comici is located at 2,154 meters at the foot of Sassolungo in Val Gardena. You can reach it by ski during the winter season or by hiking in the summer. Many visitors arrive via the Ciampinoi cable car and then hike towards Passo Sella. Driving is also an option, with parking available in nearby towns like Selva di Val Gardena, followed by a lift or hike.
While you can drive to Selva di Val Gardena or Plan de Gralba, the rifugio itself is not directly accessible by car. From the parking areas, you'll need to take a ski lift or hike to reach it.
The closest major airports are Venice (VCE), Bolzano (BZO), Verona (VRN), Milan (MXP), Munich (MUC), and Zurich (ZRH). From Venice, it's about a 2.5-hour drive to the Dolomites region.
Public transport in the Dolomites can be unreliable. Hiring a car is often recommended for flexibility, but be prepared for mountain roads. Alternatively, utilize the extensive network of cable cars and lifts to access higher elevations like Rifugio Emilio Comici.
Yes, hiking is a popular way to reach Rifugio Emilio Comici, especially during the summer months. Numerous trails lead to the rifugio, offering stunning alpine scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets for the rifugio itself. However, you will need to purchase tickets for any cable cars or ski lifts used to reach it, depending on the season and your chosen access route.
The rifugio is typically open during the ski season and the summer hiking season. It's advisable to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date operating hours, as they can vary. The kitchen may not be open all day.
Booking a table is highly recommended, especially for dinner or during peak times. Some visitors have reported difficulty in booking, so try to reserve well in advance.
There are no admission fees to enter the rifugio. You pay for food, drinks, and any services you use. Access via ski lifts or cable cars will incur separate charges.
You can often visit without a reservation, especially if you plan to use the self-service area or are lucky enough to find an available table on the terrace. However, for a guaranteed seat in the restaurant, booking is best.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The views are absolutely spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the majestic Sassolungo group and surrounding Dolomites. It's a truly breathtaking setting.
Besides dining, you can relax on the terrace, enjoy the stunning scenery, and some visitors mention a fun slide next to the hut. It's also a great starting or ending point for various hiking trails.
The toilets at Rifugio Emilio Comici are a highlight for many visitors. They are described as clean, futuristic, and high-tech, with warm water for washing hands.
Information about Wi-Fi availability is not widely publicized, but it's common for mountain huts to have limited or no Wi-Fi. It's best to assume you might be disconnected and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Yes, the rifugio is generally family-friendly. The stunning views and the unique toilet facilities can be exciting for children. Hiking trails around the area are also suitable for families, though always assess trail difficulty based on your children's age and ability.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Rifugio Emilio Comici is renowned for its gourmet cuisine, particularly its excellent seafood and fish specialties, which is unusual for a mountain restaurant. They also offer traditional dishes, burgers, and delicious strudel.
While seafood is a specialty, most mountain restaurants offer some vegetarian options like pasta dishes, salads, or vegetable sides. It's advisable to inquire directly about vegetarian choices when booking or upon arrival.
Visitors rave about the calamari, scampi, and other fresh seafood. The panettone and strudel with vanilla sauce are also highly recommended.
Prices are generally higher than in valley towns, which is typical for mountain rifugios. However, many visitors find them reasonable given the quality of food, service, and the spectacular location.
Absolutely! They offer a range of beverages, including champagne, wine, coffee, and other drinks, perfect for enjoying on the terrace with a view.
📸 📸 Photography
The primary photo opportunities are the stunning panoramic views of the Sassolungo massif and the surrounding Dolomites. The unique architecture of the rifugio itself also makes for interesting shots.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for photography, painting the mountains in warm hues. Mid-day can be bright, but the clear mountain air provides excellent visibility for capturing the vast landscapes.
The terrace of the rifugio provides excellent vantage points. For wider shots, consider hiking a short distance away from the rifugio to capture more of the expansive mountain scenery.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the grand mountain vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the peaks. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance sky and mountain contrast. A sturdy tripod is beneficial for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Yes, you can take photos inside the restaurant, but be mindful of other diners and ask for permission if you plan to photograph staff or specific dishes extensively. The interior design also offers photographic interest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🍽️ Foodies & Gourmands
🚶 Hikers & Mountain Bikers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Culinary Delights at Altitude
Beyond the signature seafood, the menu also includes well-executed traditional dishes, burgers, and delightful desserts like strudel. While prices are higher than in the valley, reflecting the logistical challenges of sourcing and preparing such cuisine at altitude, most visitors find the quality and the unparalleled setting make it a worthwhile indulgence. It’s advisable to book your table in advance, especially during peak seasons, as the restaurant is popular and can be difficult to get into without a reservation.
For those seeking a more casual experience, the self-service area offers a good alternative, allowing you to enjoy a meal or a drink on the terrace while still soaking in the incredible views. This flexibility ensures that whether you're looking for a fine dining experience or a relaxed mountain lunch, Rifugio Emilio Comici can cater to your needs.
The Iconic Sassolungo and Surrounding Trails
Visitors can access the rifugio and surrounding trails via various means. In winter, it's a popular stop for skiers, easily reachable from the slopes. During the warmer months, hikers and mountain bikers can ascend using cable cars like the one from Ciampinoi, or through challenging ascents from the valley floor. The area is part of the Puez-Odle Nature Park, ensuring well-maintained trails and protected natural beauty. Whether you're embarking on a strenuous trek or a leisurely stroll, the dramatic peaks and alpine meadows provide an unforgettable backdrop.
Beyond the immediate vicinity of Sassolungo, Rifugio Emilio Comici is also a gateway to exploring other notable Dolomite landmarks. It's often included in multi-day hut-to-hut tours, connecting with other refuges like Friedrich August, Toni Demetz, and Vicenza. This strategic location makes it a vital hub for those wishing to immerse themselves fully in the grandeur of the Dolomites.
Unique Amenities: High-Tech Toilets and Relaxing Terraces
Complementing these modern amenities is the rifugio's expansive terrace, which provides an idyllic spot to relax and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Sassolungo and surrounding Dolomite peaks. On sunny days, this is the place to be, whether you're enjoying a leisurely lunch, a refreshing drink, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the majestic scenery. Some visitors even mention beach chairs available for lounging, adding an extra touch of comfort to the alpine experience.
While the terrace is perfect for enjoying the sunshine, it's important to remember that mountain weather can shift quickly. As the sun sets behind the peaks, temperatures can drop significantly. Therefore, it's always wise to be prepared with appropriate clothing layers to ensure comfort throughout your visit, allowing you to fully enjoy both the unique amenities and the stunning natural environment.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit