Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini
Iconic mountain refuge on the TMB, offering stunning glacier views and a communal, rustic experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic mountain refuge on the TMB, offering stunning glacier views and a communal, rustic experience.
"Embrace the madness of the bedding/bathroom situation, and everything else is great."
🎒 Pack Light!
Bags can go to rooms, but dorms are tight. Pack only essentials for a comfortable stay.
🧼 Bring Hand Sanitizer
No hand soap in restrooms! Essential for hygiene in this communal mountain setting.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Glacier Views
Right below a glacier
Wake up to breathtaking views of a glacier and the stunning valley below. An unforgettable mountain panorama.
Val Veny Setting
Val Veny
Nestled in the picturesque Val Veny, this refuge offers a serene escape surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery.
Tour du Mont Blanc Stop
Tour du Mont Blanc route
A vital and iconic stop for hikers on the famous Tour du Mont Blanc trail. Experience the camaraderie of fellow trekkers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for TMB
Embrace the Rustic Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack Light!
Bags can go to rooms, but dorms are tight. Pack only essentials for a comfortable stay.
🧼 Bring Hand Sanitizer
No hand soap in restrooms! Essential for hygiene in this communal mountain setting.
⏰ Shower Smart
Hot water is limited. Shower early or right after breakfast to avoid waits.
🔌 Outlet Strategy
Find outlets in the common area to charge devices. None in dorms.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack Light!
Bags can go to rooms, but dorms are tight. Pack only essentials for a comfortable stay.
🧼 Bring Hand Sanitizer
No hand soap in restrooms! Essential for hygiene in this communal mountain setting.
⏰ Shower Smart
Hot water is limited. Shower early or right after breakfast to avoid waits.
🔌 Outlet Strategy
Find outlets in the common area to charge devices. None in dorms.
☕ Coffee & Bar
Enjoy espresso and a full bar after a long day's hike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini offers an unforgettable, albeit rustic, mountain experience with breathtaking glacier and valley views. While the cramped sleeping quarters and shared facilities can be challenging, the friendly staff, solid food, and unique communal atmosphere make it a beloved stop on the TMB. Some guests have reported illness outbreaks, suggesting a need for vigilance regarding hygiene.
"Elisabetta is a special refuge, as well as a "special" refuge. ;) Embrace the madness of the bedding/bathroom situation, and everything else is great.
Setting: literally right below a glacier, with incredible views of the valley. Hard to top.
Reception: Boots and poles stay in the entryway, but bags can be brought to the rooms. Staff is very friendly. They make an effort to know when the hot water runs out, for example, so you don't waste your shower token if it has.
Showers: Not very many for so many guests, and the stalls are dated, but pressure is good. Coins are provided for hot water, but it runs out by the end of the day, so ask the person before you if you care! We had luck taking our showers in the morning right after breakfast, when most others were packing up and leaving.
Toilets: There were only a few stalls in each bathroom, so there could be a wait at busy times. THERE IS NO HAND SOAP so bring sanitizer.
Laundry: none.
Food: Very solid. We appreciated the espresso machine and full bar! Dinner was risotto for primi and meat/veg for secondi (the meat was a bit dry but fine). Breakfast was ok--pastries/coffee/tea and cereal were available. No yogurt or other protein. Adding some hearty muesli to the cereal options would be welcome.
Rooms: As others have mentioned, the bed situation here beggars belief. The dormitories pack guests in like sardines, with wall-to-wall mats that sleep 10+ people, and are stacked up to three bunks high in some rooms. The actual sleeping spaces are designated only by the folded blanket and the sorry excuse for a pillow (fold it in half and stuff a puffer jacket into the pillowcase to make a decent cushion). My companion and I (two young women) were assigned to spots between two older men. It is what it is, everyone makes the best of it, and we slept surprisingly well, but this was by far the most cramped lodging situation we encountered on our 10-day hike.
WiFi: none.
Outlets: we found some in the main hangout/dining area and charged before and after dinner, but didn't see any in the dorm."
Linnea Geno
"Stopped here just for lunch — be prepared for a bit of an uphill walk. The view is absolutely stunning, with a decent variety of menu options and warm, welcoming service. The coffee was excellent. Note: there's only one restroom, so expect a bit of a wait. The lentil soup is a light choice, perfect if you're not too hungry. Dessert was delightful!"
Yulia Herasimovich
"Nice staff. Cool location. Too long of waits for showers, lack of plugs and hot water. But... most of the stars lost is because I'm 1.93m and my bed on the third floor was probably 1.6m with a sloped concrete roof. Didn't work. Not to mention the terrible crammed bunks in other parts of this place. Can't give many stars when you can't sleep. Crammed sleep spaces leads to other issues too."
Jim Ryan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Courmayeur, head to Val Veny and park where possible. Take the shuttle bus (free until Sept 30, 2023) to the last stop, La Visaille (stop 52). From there, follow trails 13, 12, and the Alta Via 2 TMB for about 2 hours and 550 meters of elevation gain.
Parking is available in Val Veny, but can be limited. Taking the shuttle bus from Courmayeur to La Visaille is a recommended alternative.
The trail involves an uphill walk, approximately 2 hours with a 550-meter elevation gain. It's part of the Alta Via 2 TMB route.
Yes, Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini operates as a winter bivouac with 21 beds and blankets, suitable for overnight stays.
The refuge is a key stop on the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and the Alta Via 2 TMB.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, as the refuge can fill up quickly.
The refuge is typically open during the summer hiking season for meals and lodging. It also functions as a winter bivouac. Specific operating dates can vary.
Pricing for lodging and meals can vary. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current rates.
The refuge offers dormitory-style sleeping arrangements with mats and blankets. It's known for its communal and sometimes cramped sleeping spaces.
Yes, the refuge is a popular spot for lunch breaks for hikers. They offer a menu with various options.
🎫 🛏️ Onsite Experience
Expect dormitory-style rooms with wall-to-wall mats, often stacked high. It's a communal experience, and spaces can be very tight.
Yes, showers are available, but hot water is limited and coin-operated. It's advisable to shower early or right after breakfast.
The food is generally considered solid, with options like risotto for primi and meat/veg for secondi. Breakfast includes pastries and cereal. Packed lunches are also available.
No, there is no Wi-Fi available at the refuge. It's a good place to disconnect and enjoy the mountain environment.
Rooms are basic, with mats and blankets provided. You may want to bring a pillowcase to stuff with clothing for a more comfortable pillow.
📸 📸 Photography
The refuge itself offers stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and the Val Veny. The hike to the refuge also provides numerous scenic vistas.
Yes, the location is ideal for capturing dramatic sunrise and sunset colors over the mountains.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain landscapes. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
The immediate surroundings of the refuge offer incredible vantage points. Exploring slightly higher ground can provide even more dramatic perspectives.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. Midday can be harsh, but still offers grand mountain views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack extra snacks and be prepared for limited facilities. The communal nature of the refuge means children will be around other hikers, so ensuring they are well-behaved is important. 🚶 Budget Travelers & Hikers
💑 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rifugio Experience: More Than Just a Bed
Beyond the sleeping arrangements, the refuge offers essential amenities for hikers. Hot meals are served, providing much-needed sustenance after a day on the trails. The common dining area is a hub for sharing stories with fellow trekkers from around the world, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.
Practicalities like limited shower facilities and the need for hand sanitizer are important to note.
Navigating to Rifugio Elisabetta: Trails and Transport
The shuttle, which has been free up to a certain date, takes you to the final stop, La Visaille (stop 52). From La Visaille, the trek to the refuge is well-marked. Hikers follow trails numbered 13 and 12, which then merge with the Alta Via 2 TMB route.
The ascent is approximately 550 meters over about 2 hours of hiking. This section of the trail offers increasingly spectacular views as you gain elevation, making the effort rewarding. For those undertaking the full TMB or Alta Via 2, Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini is a critical waypoint. The trails are generally well-maintained, but hikers should be prepared for varied terrain typical of alpine environments.
+1 The journey itself is as much a part of the experience as the destination, with breathtaking scenery at every turn. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit