Giovanni Gnifetti

The refuge is dedicated to the memory of Abbot Giovanni Gnifetti, parish priest of Alagna, explorer of Monte Rosa and first climber in 1842 of Signalkuppe, the peak that now bears his name.
Located at 3,467 metres on the Garstelet glacier (Monte Rosa) between Alagna and Gressoney, the refuge is a key base for ascents of Monte Rosa and Capanna Margherita, and its history is closely linked to that of the Varallo section of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI).
The Gnifetti Hut can be reached via a glacier route in about 1 hour and 45 minutes from the arrival point of the new Passo Salati-Indren lift at 3,275 metres, with a total ascent of about 370 metres.

Reservations are required. The use of a personal sleeping bag liner is mandatory
Please note: there is no running water in spring

How to get there in summer

On foot: from Staffal, follow trail 7, then 7B and finally 6A to the Mantova refuge, then another 100m of elevation gain across the glacier to Gnifetti (+100m) - crampons required
Elevation gain: approx. 1,700 m
Time: approx. 5h30
Difficulty: Experienced hikers
Terrain: Mountaineering

How to get there in winter/spring

Ski mountaineering: from Staffal, follow the summer trail in the Vallone della Salza (7 → 7B → 6A)
Elevation gain: approx. 1,700 m.
Time: approx. 5h30
Route: ungroomed and not subject to maintenance
Difficulty: experienced hikers with equipment

The route can only be tackled after checking the avalanche report and a rescue kit (Artva, shovel and probe) is mandatory.

With the lifts in summer/winter/spring 

Check lift opening times before planning your trip.

By cable car to Gabiet: from Gabiet at an altitude of 2,300 m, follow trail 6A 
Time: approx. 4h30
Difficulty: experienced hikers with equipment 
Terrain: alpine

By cable car to Punta Indren:  from Indren station. Cross the glacier (crampons required). Keep above the rocky ridge. Climb the equipped trail.
Time: 1h45
Elevation gain: 370 m
Difficulty: experienced hikers with equipment 
Terrain: alpine