Mountain tour to the Rifugio Vedrette di Ries

The Rifugio Vedrette di Ries (Rieserfernerhütte) is one of the most famous mountain huts in the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park. We start our mountain tour at the Säger car park in Riva di Tures. The summer weather is pleasant, and we follow path no. 3 along the Rio di Riva stream through a dense forest, climbing steadily upwards. After a good hour of walking, we reach on a plateau the Outer Valfredda Hut, also known as Äussere Gelttalalm, which allows us to catch our breath for a moment. We then continue to the Inner Valfredda Hut at an altitude of 2,067 metres.

In front of us, the wide inner valley unfolds, framed by high glaciated mountains. We hike into this valley along a beautiful path. At the end of the valley, the route climbs steadily upwards via zigzags and over boulders through the Vedretta di Valfredda glacier towards the Rifugio Vedrette di Ries at an altitude of 2,792 metres. Numerous three-thousand-metre peaks tower around us.

We cross a col and a snowfield before reaching the hut. After a short rest, we set off towards the Pizzo di Vedrette (Fernerköpfl), which stands at 3,249 metres and is already visible from the refuge. The path leads over small and large boulders to the summit block and remains well-marked throughout. Shortly below the col, we need to use our hands to climb the rocky steps.

The Pizzo di Vedrette features a magnificent summit cross, and the view of the surrounding three-thousand-metre peaks, such as the Monte Magro, Monte Nevoso, Collalto, and Collaspro, is highly impressive. We take the same route back, which should not be underestimated due to its length.

This is a wonderful mountain path to the Vedrette di Ries Hut, which serves as an excellent starting point for alpine tours and provides overnight accommodation. We also recommend completing this route as a two-day tour. Hikers can reach the hut from Riva di Tures, as well as from Anterselva via path no. 3, from Vila di Sopra (no. 1), and from Riomolino/Gais (for experienced hikers only). Stamina and sure-footedness are absolutely essential!

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Author: BS

Experienced: July 2009
Last updated: 2026

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