Rifugio Città di Busto

Commonly known as “Busto”, this is a managed mountain hut located at 2480 m a.s.l. within the mountain range defining the border between Italy and Switzerland.
It's a cosy structure, built almost entirely with local stones and timber, that features electrical heating, hot water, showers, landline phone and 47 beds divided in bedrooms of 3,4 and 6 beds each and one big bedroom of 12 beds.
The hut is open during the summer season (June – September) where the manager provides warm meals everyday with high quality products following a variety of local recipes.

The location:

The strategic location of the hut gives access to a variety of hiking adventures from easy trails suitable for the whole family to more challenging routes for expert hikers.
The nearby highland, a large flat area known as “Piano dei Camosci”, features a soccer and a volleyball field where everyone can safely play.
A small rock-climbing route can be found within 5 mins walking from the hut. This is an ideal spot for beginners. Although professional climbing gear and the presence of an expert climber are needed to attempt the climb. 

The surrounding:

The advantage point of the hut gives 360 degrees view on local landmarks. Two of the highest peaks of the region “Punta d’Arbola” and “Hosandhorn” are always at the back of any photo taken from the hut.
To the north the Gries pass leaves this big open window with a view of the Swiss territory including the top of the Rhone glacier where the 813km Rhone river starts its journey the ends in the south of France.
The “Sabbioni” dam, the highest dam of the valley, and “Morasco” dam are both part of the scenery and they define the origin of the 84km river “Toce”. The river features a beautiful 143 meters high waterfall that runs alongside the main road leading to the top of the valley.

Wildlife:

You don’t need to step far away from our doorstep to see the local wildlife. Groundhogs can be easily seen everywhere in the territory sometimes even in front of our windows. Also the more elusive Golden Eagle calls this land home. It can be seen often flying around this territory. And for the more patient and lucky visitors, roaming ibexes can be seen on the steep and rocky slopes surrounding the hut. And if you look outside the window around dinner tiime, you'll probably see one or two foxes waiting to steal some left overs.

Historical facts:

The “Rifugio Città di Busto” was the first Mountain hut built in the Formazza valley. The building process took two summer seasons, started in 1926 and inaugurated in September 1927. The building underwent constant renovation over the years and it now offers modern facilities while keeping its old rustic style. 

The hut in 1935