Rifugio Graffer | 2,261m (7,420 ft)
Location
Madonna di Campiglio / Grosté
Description
Built in the 1940s just after the war and named after a great mountaineer and aviator, Rifugio Graffer was meant to serve as a base station for outings up the untamed faces of northern Brenta and to join up with Via delle Bocchette from the north. But now, with the arrival of the lifts, it is one of the main points of reference for the thousands of skiers who hit the Campiglio slopes in the winter.
This is the only SAT mountain lodge to be open in both summer and winter, so it is highly popular among tourists as a great example of alpine culture and tradition. The view from the terrace is amazing, and feel free to ask the lodge’s manager, Roberto Manni, for help identifying the mountain peaks, from Brenta to Cevedale, as the sun sets behind the Adamello-Presanella group.
Access
Main access (ESC)
Summer: descend along the dirt road (closed to traffic) from the upper station of the Grostè gondola lift (around 20 min.) or head up through the fields or along the dirt road (closed to traffic) from the intermediate station of the same lift (30 min.).
Another option from the top of the Spinale gondola lift along trail SAT 331. This enjoyable walk features a beautiful view of Brenta from start to finish. Winter: ski down from the gondola-lift station above the lodge.
PHOTOGRAPHY INFO
Themes
Landscapes | Sunset | Rock
Rifugio Graffer is a great spot for landscapes. Directly across from the lodge is the Adamello-Presanella group and the Lares glacier, which comes out great in photos shot with a good telephoto lens. The nearby Grostè Pass (an easy 30 min. hike) is another great spot for stunning landscape shots out towards Val di Non, with northern Brenta to the left and the Gaiarda group to the right. A close-up of the majestic Pietra Grande makes for another great shot. In the morning, the Grostè area is particularly suited to “moonscapes” given the vast areas of white rock reflecting the sunlight, providing high-impact contrast with Cima Grostè dominating the background.
Time
Mornings at dawn for the Adamello-Presanella group and sunset for evocative shots capturing the last rays of the sun as it sets behind Presanella.
For technical advice, visit the page Pro Tips.
Legend
TUR = Touristic trail | ESC = Hiking trail | EE = Hiking trail for experts | T = time | QP = starting altitude | QA = arrival altitude
