The Santnerpass refuge stands proudly on the western slope of the Rosengarten group of mountains in the Italian Dolomites, at an elevation of 2734 meters. Originally constructed in 1956, the hut has remained closed to travellers since 2013. The start of a redesign with Senoner Tammerle Architekten began in 2018, eventually breaking ground in Spring 2022 with a striking double-storey, spruce structure and tapered facade made of galvanised steel.

Opening for June 2024, the new Refugio Santner offers overnight accommodation for hikers, as well as a unrivalled perch to enjoy sunsets and early mornings.

Design

The ground floor of the building has a spacious layout thanks to its tapered form, accommodating communal amenities including a bar and restaurant embracing expansive openings and a terrace offering panoramic views of the mountains. Towards the rear of the ground floor, facilities including a kitchen, office, storage area, and restrooms are conveniently located.

On the upper levels, variously sized bedrooms cater to overnight guests, complemented by communal bathroom facilities. Throughout the interior, the exposed spruce structure contrasts with minimalist metal fixtures, while the restrooms are adorned with yellow-painted walls. Small windows dot the facade, framing picturesque vistas of the surrounding landscape and infusing the bedrooms with natural light.

Accommodation

From our own experience we know that nothing beats the well-deserved, warm food after an intensive hike. In addition to traditional South Tyrolean dishes such as dumplings and apple strudel, we offer contemporary variations of the Tyrolean cuisine too. All of our plates are prepared with lots of love in our tiny kitchen, using traditional cooking methods. For our overnight guests we serve a varied four-course menu in the evening, while during the day we cook according to our menu. In any case there is a suitable dish for all hungry climbers and hikers.

Accommodation and rooms

The refuge is made of several double bed rooms, as well as rooms configured to sleep three, four and six people. At maximum capacity, the refuge can sleep forty people. Per person prices for half-board start from €105 for double rooms, slightly less for occupancy of the larger bedrooms. Half-board includes a four-course-menu and breakfast with typical Tyrollean cuisine.

As the sun sets, the landscape around Santnerpass transforms into a mesmerising display of fiery reds transitioning to purples before yielding to the starry night sky—a phenomenon known as Enrosadira or Alpenglow. Laurinswand and the Vajolet towers are also visible from the shelter, each reaching to 2,813m at their peaks.

For booking and more information, visit santnerpass.com and via Instagram
Photography: Lukas Schaller