Bietti-Buzzi Refuge

Access

The most direct access is from Cainallo (Vo' di Moncodeno, 1,420 m) along path , passing through Bocchetta and Porta di Prada.
Difference: approx. +300 m
Average time: 1h30-2h
Difficulty: E 
The route follows a well-marked path, with stretches on a rocky surface and passages on wooden steps; possible snow or ice at the beginning of the season.

From the Somana side (Mandello del Lario) follow path .
Difference: approx. +1,350/1.400 m
Average time: 4h-5h
Difficulty: E with EE stretches
The itinerary is long and continuous, with steep stretches, passages over rocks and short exposures; it requires good physical preparation.

There is also the variant of the "Sentiero del Fiume" , classified as EE, with numerous fords and stretches equipped with chains, which can only be followed in dry conditions and with adequate experience.

The signage conforms to CAI standards; in the presence of snow, orientation can be complex in the Releccio basin.

Introduction

The Bietti-Buzzi Refuge is located at an altitude of 1,719 m in the karst Releccio basin, on the western slope of the Northern Grigna (Grignone), in the Grigne group. The hut is located in a barycentric position with respect to the main itineraries of the northern sector of the massif, constituting a strategic support point for mountaineering ascents and hiking routes.
Owned by the CAI Grigne - Mandello del Lario Section, the origins of the hut can be traced back to the historic Capanna Releccio (1886). Subsequently dedicated to Luigi Bietti and, after the passage to the Mandello section, also to Elena Buzzi, it now represents one of the historic garrisons of mountaineering in the Grigne.

Description

The refuge is located in the centre of the natural amphitheatre of Releccio, a karst basin dominated by the limestone walls of Grignone and the rocky structures of Sasso Cavallo and Sasso dei Carbonari. The environment is typically pre-alpine, with alternating beech forests, high-altitude pastures, rocky outcrops and superficial karst phenomena, including dolines and caves.
The western exposure allows wide views towards Lake Lecco and the western Alpine arc; on a clear day, the view extends from the Monte Rosa group to the Bernese Alps and the Lombardy plain.
Built in 1886 as the Capanna Releccio, the original one-storey building was extended over time with elevations and functional adaptations. After a period of closure in the early 2000s, the hut underwent an overall renovation between 2007 and 2009, with the reconstruction of the water collection cisterns and the construction of a winter room. Since 2015 the management has been entrusted to Marco Madama.
The hut is mainly frequented in summer and autumn, with a significant presence also in spring depending on snow conditions. In winter, the area is subject to variable snowfall and requires adequate hiking experience.

Information

Altitude: 1.719 m
Ownership: CAI Grigne - Mandello del Lario Section
Manager: Marco Madama
Sleeping accommodation: 25-30
Winter accommodation:yes (2 places - bivouac)
Opening period: June-September continuous; May, October and November at weekends (variable depending on snowfall)
Water: available (harvesting and cisterns)
Lighting: system with solar panels and genset
Services: indoor toilets
Wi-Fi: not specified
Device charging: available
Telephone: 338 1309920
Email: info@rifugiobiettibuzzi.it
Official website: www.rifugiobiettibuzzi.it

Ascensions

balconata di releccio
ferrata cai mandello
grigna settentrionale via del caminetto
grigna settentrionale via del guzzi
pizzo dei nibbi
sasso cavallo
sasso dei carbonari
sasso seneg

Traverses

cainallo porta di prada refuge bogani anello nord grignone
ugio bietti refuge brioschi

Excursions

porta di prada
rifugio bogani
rifugio brioschi
helisa refuge
sasso cavallo

Winter routes

northern grigna west channel
climb to cainallo hut with snowshoes

Related routes

hiking (7) - map
ski mountaineering (2) - map
snowshoeing (2) - map

Collections

snowshoeing CAI lombardy - map
snowshoeing in the grigne group - map
snowshoeing in the releccio valley - map
snowshoeing in the Lombardy pre-Alps - map
snowshoeing above 2000 m - map