Hiking
Five marked routes from three starting points. The classic approach from Prato Sopralacroce takes about 3 hours through chestnut groves and open pastures. Also reachable from the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri and Sentiero Italia.
Compare Access Options
| On Foot | Mountain Bike | On Horseback | By 4x4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From | Prato Sopralacroce (563 m) | Prato Sopralacroce | Prato Sopralacroce | Prato Sopralacroce |
| Distance | ~7km | ~10km (direct) / ~40km (loop) | ~10km | ~10km |
| Duration | 3 hours | 1.5-3.5 hours | Half day (est.) | 30-45 minutes |
| Elevation | +986m | +986m | +986m | +986m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Medium - Hard | Experienced Riders | Experienced Off-roader |
| Season | May-November | May-November | June-October | April-November |
| Best For | Hikers, families, long-distance trekkers | MTB riders, gravel cyclists | Experienced equestrians | Families with gear, groups |
By Mountain Bike
The same unpaved road used by vehicles makes a satisfying MTB climb, or link it into a 40 km loop via Monte Penna. Gravel and cross-country bikes recommended.
On Horseback
The wide pastoral road and open meadows around Pratomollo are well-suited to horseback riding. The route passes through active grazing land with cattle, sheep, and semi-wild horse herds.
By 4x4
A 10 km drive from Prato Sopralacroce — the first 3 km paved, then 7 km of unpaved mountain road. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. The road terminates at the rifugio.
Before You Set Off
- No public transportserves the rifugio. Plan your own transport to the starting points.
- Mobile signal is patchy on the approach and at the rifugio. Download maps offline before departure.
- Weather changes quickly at altitude. Check conditions and carry appropriate layers even in summer.
- Compass warning M:onte Aiona's plateau has a well-documented magnetic anomaly. Compasses are unreliable near the summit. Use GPS or follow trail markers.
- Check road conditions before driving call the rifugio on +39 338 999 2250 for current status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Rifugio Monte Aiona Pratomollo?
The rifugio is reachable on foot, by mountain bike, on horseback, or by 4x4 from Prato Sopralacroce in Borzonasca (GE).
By car: exit the A12 motorway at Lavagna, follow signs for Carasco → Borzonasca → Prato Sopralacroce, then take the unpaved road (10 km) to the rifugio.
On foot: the classic hike from Prato Sopralacroce takes approximately 3 hours.
Can I drive a normal car to the rifugio?
No. The last 7 km of the road from Prato Sopralacroce are unpaved, rough, and steep. A high-clearance vehicle (4x4, SUV, or similar) is strongly recommended. A standard car risks damage from ruts and stones.
Is the rifugio on the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri?
Yes. Rifugio Monte Aiona Pratomollo sits just below Passo della Spingarda (1,549 m) on the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri (AVML), between Stage 33 (from Passo delle Lame) and Stage 34 (toward Passo del Bocco). It is also reachable from the Sentiero Italia CAI stages G05 and G06.
Is there parking at the rifugio?
Yes. There is informal parking at the rifugio. For hikers, there is parking at Prato Sopralacroce (start of the walking route) and at Casermette del Penna (for the Val d'Aveto approach).
What happens if the weather turns bad during my approach?
Mountain weather changes rapidly at 1,500 m. If conditions deteriorate, the safest option is to return to your starting point if you're less than halfway, or to continue to the rifugio if you're closer. Call the rifugio for advice: +39 338 999 2250. Always carry waterproofs, warm layers, and a charged phone with offline maps.