the renovation


The past

The original Rifugio Val di Togno had tremendous charm, ruling the valley like a long forgotten emperor. Inside, it had become more like a junk yard than a place to stay. 

At first, we thought of applying a splash of paint and rewiring some electrical lines. Soon we realized we had to start again from scratch.


The demolition

After heavy demolition works, only three outside walls remained standing. A new foundation was poured, the cement brought by helicopters that flew 124 times back and forth from the bottom of the valley.

The winter of 2020 came surprisingly early, with snowfalls that had not been seen in ages. Construction came to a stop.


The reconstruction

As soon as the construction could start again, prefabricated panels and beams were flown in by helicopter. It looked like Ikea for experts.

The stone walls were covered with local larch wood. Thick layers of insulation were installed.

That way, Rifugio Val di Togno became a passive energy building, providing its own natural energy, and using its own spring water.


The reconstruction 2.0

In May, our dream collapsed. 

We became stuck in the legendary maze of the Italian bureaucracy and judicial system. Things went from bad to worse and in August our rifugio was sealed by the carabinieri. 

Allow us to cut a long story short. 

The court ruled we had done nothing wrong. After another four month delay, the works could restart. But by then, winter was coming.

2021 meant only 11 weeks of workmen on site… 


The now

 

And now, we’re finally ready to welcome you.