Rifugio Alpe di Giumella
The place
Former "dra piota" farmhouse on the Giümela alp, at 1862 m altitude (external sources; DB 1789 m) — renovated between 2009 and 2011 by the Patriziato di Biasca, canton of Ticino (Switzerland). Unstaffed refuge, 8 beds, always open (turn-handle door, no key). Booking required through the Patriziato (091 862 11 74, www.patriziatobiasca.ch/rifugi). Access from Mont Biborgh in Val Pontirone (1301 m) via the white-red waymarked trail to the Pass Giümèla, passing Mont Prato Dentro and the Lesgiüna alp: about 2 hours on foot. Notable feature: a natural stone slab serves as the interior floor. The name "Giümèla" derives from the Latin gemellus (twin) — the alp lies at the meeting point of the Valle Giümèla and Vedrign pastures.
Getting there
~2 h from Mont Biborgh (Val Pontirone); white-red waymarked trail.
The setting
Pass Giümèla, Valle Giümèla / Vedrign, Ticino.
