Rifugio Maria Luisa: Un angolo di storia tra le montagne della Val Formazza
Riale, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola · Piemonte•1 day•Hiking · 2,200 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
EASY
Where?
provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piemonte
On your own?
No problem
Points
+15
Community photos
See all photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE
Rifugio Maria Luisa in Val Formazza
A 2157 metri di altitudine, nel cuore dell’alta Val Formazza, ti aspetta il Rifugio Maria Luisa, un luogo ricco di fascino e storia. Inaugurato nel 1939 e dedicato a Maria Luisa Milani, è stato voluto per amore... e oggi lo vivremo insieme, come solo i Guidders sanno fare.
Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
Raggiungeremo il rifugio lungo una strada sterrata comoda e panoramica, realizzata da Edison durante la costruzione delle dighe del Toggia e del Kastel. Un percorso jeeppabile che ci condurrà tra cime maestose, paesaggi spettacolari e tanta condivisione.
Dal rifugio si apre un mondo: potremo salire fino al Passo San Giacomo o semplicemente goderci la bellezza del momento, insieme, tra natura e semplicità.
Un’escursione perfetta per chi ama camminare, scoprire e creare ricordi con nuovi amici. E soprattutto, per chi sa che la montagna è più bella quando si condivide.
GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 4 days before
You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+15 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Dog friendly
Your dog can come: add them when you book.
How hard is it, really
Guiddy scale
EASY
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
550 m D+ · 9 km · 7 h
Easy — this outing
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
Exposure and exposed sections
NONE
No exposed sections reported on the route.
VERTIGO RISK
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 7 h and 550 m of ascent ahead, an easy pace, suitable for beginners
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included in the price
✓INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Optional lunch in hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Riale
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.
Itinerary
One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.
Elevation gain
550 m
Max altitude
2,200 m
Distance
9 km
Duration
7 h
Day
9 km · D+ 550 m · 7 h
The stops · 9 km
Meeting point 9:15approximate
Ritrovo/Parcheggio, Riale, Formazza, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
Meeting point at the car park of the Aalts Dorf hotel/restaurant. You can also park a bit earlier near another car park, about a 5-minute walk from the meeting point. Paid car park.
09:30HIKING TRAIL
Start of the hike
We set off from the meeting point and begin climbing along a comfortable and scenic jeep track, offering ever-better views as we rise above the whole Riale basin. Shortly before reaching the hut, a small detour takes us to visit the first alpine lake of the day, Lake Kastel. We then return to the jeep track and head to the second and final alpine lake, Lake Toggia. We descend and soon reach Rifugio Maria Luisa, where those who wish can have lunch at the hut. It is mandatory to let us know a few days in advance whether or not you'd like to have lunch at the hut.
16:00RETURN
End of the hike
We'll head back to the starting point and say our goodbyes.
How do you get to Riale? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.
What to bring
A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.
Trekking poles
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Trail running shoes
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Cap
RECOMMENDED
Sunscreen
RECOMMENDED
Sunglasses
RECOMMENDED
Change of clothes
RECOMMENDED
Your guide
Stefano F.
· 5 outings
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.
Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Stefano, an environmental hiking guide, and I've always had a deep bond with the mountains. From a young age I found in trails, woods and summits a place of freedom, discovery and connection with nature. Over time that passion turned into something more: the wish to share it. Today I take out people of every age and level to discover mountain country, passing on not only technical and safety knowledge but also respect for the environment and the pleasure of moving slowly, in tune with what's around us. I believe walking in the mountains isn't just physical activity: it's an experience that enriches whoever lives it, helping you find your own inner rhythm again and look at the world with new eyes. 🥾 See you in the mountains, Guidders!
We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.
You'll be among the first to share your story.
Questions?
I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 7 h with 550 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 4 days before
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Still have questions? Message Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Rifugio Maria Luisa: Un angolo di storia tra le montagne della Val Formazza
Riale, Formazza (VB) · Piemonte
1 day · Hiking · 2,200 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
550 m
Max altitude
2,200 m
Distance
9 km
Exposed sections
None
Duration
7 h
Guiddy points
+15
▣ 6 photos
+2 photos
WHY THIS HIKE
Rifugio Maria Luisa in Val Formazza
A 2157 metri di altitudine, nel cuore dell’alta Val Formazza, ti aspetta il Rifugio Maria Luisa, un luogo ricco di fascino e storia. Inaugurato nel 1939 e dedicato a Maria Luisa Milani, è stato voluto per amore... e oggi lo vivremo insieme, come solo i Guidders sanno fare.
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
Raggiungeremo il rifugio lungo una strada sterrata comoda e panoramica, realizzata da Edison durante la costruzione delle dighe del Toggia e del Kastel. Un percorso jeeppabile che ci condurrà tra cime maestose, paesaggi spettacolari e tanta condivisione.
Dal rifugio si apre un mondo: potremo salire fino al Passo San Giacomo o semplicemente goderci la bellezza del momento, insieme, tra natura e semplicità.
Un’escursione perfetta per chi ama camminare, scoprire e creare ricordi con nuovi amici. E soprattutto, per chi sa che la montagna è più bella quando si condivide.
How hard is it
Guiddy scale
EASY
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
550 m D+ · 9 km · 7 h
Easy — this outing
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 7 h and 550 m of ascent ahead, an easy pace, suitable for beginners
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included
INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Optional lunch in hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Riale
Itinerary
Day · approximate times
Stops · 9 km
Meeting point 9:15Ritrovo/Parcheggio
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
Meeting point at the car park of the Aalts Dorf hotel/restaurant. You can also park a bit earlier near another car park, about a 5-minute walk from the meeting point. Paid car park.
09:30HIKING TRAIL
Start of the hike
We set off from the meeting point and begin climbing along a comfortable and scenic jeep track, offering ever-better views as we rise above the whole Riale basin. Shortly before reaching the hut, a small detour takes us to visit the first alpine lake of the day, Lake Kastel. We then return to the jeep track and head to the second and final alpine lake, Lake Toggia. We descend and soon reach Rifugio Maria Luisa, where those who wish can have lunch at the hut. It is mandatory to let us know a few days in advance whether or not you'd like to have lunch at the hut.
16:00RETURN
End of the hike
We'll head back to the starting point and say our goodbyes.
How do you get to Riale? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.
What to bring
A list made for this hike.
Trekking poles
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Trail running shoes
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Layered clothing
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Cap
RECOMMENDED
Sunscreen
RECOMMENDED
Sunglasses
RECOMMENDED
Change of clothes
RECOMMENDED
Your guide
Stefano F.
5 outings with Guiddy
Guida Ambientale Escursionistica
Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Stefano, an environmental hiking guide, and I've always had a deep bond with the mountains. From a young age I found in trails, woods and summits a place of freedom, discovery and connection with nature. Over time that passion turned into something more: the wish to share it. Today I take out people of every age and level to discover mountain country, passing on not only technical and safety knowledge but also respect for the environment and the pleasure of moving slowly, in tune with what's around us. I believe walking in the mountains isn't just physical activity: it's an experience that enriches whoever lives it, helping you find your own inner rhythm again and look at the world with new eyes. 🥾 See you in the mountains, Guidders!
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 7 h with 550 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Apple Maps
