An alpine refuge in an "extraordinary" location
Rifugio Gastaldi, owned by CAI Torino, is located in the basin of Crot del Ciaussinè, named after an ancient lime quarry; situated in a panoramic position at 2,659 m, it is surrounded by some of the highest peaks of the Lanzo Valleys, including Ciamarella, Albaron di Savoia, and Bessanese.
The first refuge was built in 1880 and dedicated to the former president of the CAI Torino section, geologist Bartolomeo Gastaldi. Throughout its history, the original structure was expanded several times, until the construction of a new building that arose a few meters alongside the old refuge, to meet the growing number of mountaineers on the mountains of the Lanzo Valleys. This new building was the scene of the final episodes of the Resistance, serving as a base for partisans; in October 1944, during clashes with Nazi forces, it was set on fire and destroyed. The new refuge, the one currently existing, was then built in 1970, undergoing numerous technological innovations over the years.
Today, the adjacent old refuge houses a branch of the Mountain Museum of Turin, recounting the mountaineering history of the Lanzo Valleys and the Gastaldi.
A stopping point on the iconic Tour della Bessanese, the refuge is managed by Monica and her staff, who are committed every day to ensuring a warm and attentive welcome to all their guests.
The structure offers 65 beds, divided among small rooms, dormitories, and even a double room, arranged across the three floors of the refuge.
Reachable from Pian della Mussa, via trail no. 222, from the refuge you can undertake multiple mountaineering ascents to the surrounding peaks or excursions to reach the numerous alpine lakes in the area. During late spring, the refuge guarantees special openings for the ski mountaineering season.
