Refuge Elisa – 1,515 m (4,970 ft)

Northern Grigna: High-Altitude Hubs and Scenic Mountain Resorts

Rifugio Elisa – 1,515 m (4,970 ft)

Managed by CAI Mandello Lario, this refuge is the premier starting point for technical climbs on Sasso Cavallo and Sasso dei Carbonari, as well as high-altitude traverses across the Grignone massif. Access: From Mandello del Lario via Trail #14. Season: Open daily in August; open weekends and holidays from May through October. Tel: +39 0341 735649 | Beds: 15

Rifugio Giovanni Riva al Piattè – 1,022 m (3,353 ft)

Nestled on the lower slopes of Pizzo della Pieve, this refuge is a strategic base for climbers tackling the mountain's challenging faces. Access: Trail #35 from Primaluna or the historic mule track (Trail #34) from Baiedo. Season: Open daily from June to September; open weekends and holidays during the rest of the year (reservations available). Tel: +39 0341 980080 | Beds: 24

Rifugio Arnaldo Bogani al Poiat – 1,816 m (5,958 ft)
Located within the Grignone’s dramatic northern amphitheater, this CAI Monza refuge is surrounded by a magnificent forest of ancient larch trees. It serves as an essential hub for ascents to Grignone, Pizzo della Pieve, and Pizzo d'Eghen. Access: From Esino Lario/Cainallo (Trail #25), Primaluna (Trail #36), or Cortenova via Valle dei Molini (Trail #39). Season: Open daily from mid-June to mid-September; open Saturdays and Sundays year-round. Tel: +39 348 2831436 | Beds: 50

Esino Lario – 910 m (2,985 ft)
This charming mountain resort, located just 12 km (7.5 miles) from Varenna, is the main gateway to the north-eastern slopes of the Grignone. Accessible by bus from Varenna or Lecco, it features a scenic panoramic road connecting to Cortenova in Valsassina. The village offers several hotels, guest houses, and a local Pro Loco (tourist information office).

Albergo Cainallo – 1,270 m (4,166 ft)
Situated at the Cainallo Pass, this private hotel is a key trailhead for northern Grigna excursions. It is connected by road to both Esino Lario (7 km / 4.3 miles) and Cortenova. Season: Open year-round. Tel: +39 0341 860131 | Beds: 39