Fifties extreme located accomodations spread all over the Alps. And as such, like the title of Rifugi e bivacchi – Refuges and huts – says, absolutely “not to be missed”. 
Even though the expression could make someone thinks that this new illustrated volume by Hoepli is a tourist guide, the purpose of authors Roberto Dini, Luca Gibello and Stefano Girodo – architects and skilled hikers – is far beyond from manuals and typological reviews. Instead, is all focused on the heritage appreciation of the refuges architecture through the analysis of different peculiar traits, strickly connected to history, landscape and tecnology. And human beings. Because a very important feature of these hideways is the people who maintains them in good shape and “alive”.

All aspects made quite apparent by the iconographic contribution (most of it totally brand new), an articulated critical essay and the deep focus on each and everyone of these shelters. So that, having previously read Rifugi e Bivacchi, planning a trip to visit one is a guarantee of a once in a lifetime experience. Multiplied for 50. A huge number but still a painful choice, reached by shrinking the “not to be missed” refuges after a long and difficult selection process. Started in 2011 at the “Cantieri d’alta quota” headquarters – a cultural association involved in studying mountain refuges and huts founded by Roberto, Luca and Stefano – and in the Torino Museo della Montagna del Club italiano archive. Not considering all the trekking expeditions done to check historic and new constructions. And also interviewing the designers.