Our group stayed at Refugio Vazzoler on the sixth night of our trek on the AV1 in the Dolomites. It had been a mostly-rainy day, and we arrived to a short line of people shedding their wet gear at the door. Once that task was completed, our check-in was simple. Then a few of us grabbed a bite in their restaurant, which was packed with guests and hikers trying to stay dry. The family who ran the rifugio were very friendly; and the setting here was also one of the loveliest we encountered on the AV1. Once the rain abated, we were able to walk outside to views of cloud-wrapped mountains. We also explored their extensive "alpine garden," featuring a variety of shrubs, flowers and trees that had been cultivated in various groupings. Unfortunately Rifugio Vazzoler had the least amount of space and the poorest amenities we encountered on the AV1. It was crowded to the point of being a little claustrophobic. Plus they had only one large, unisex bathroom for 80 guests (some were staying in other buildings). The toilets were behind individual doors, but only some of them were modern; the rest were just a hole in the floor with a chain-handle flush. The only showers were tiny, on a coin-fed timer, and offered scant privacy from the line of people waiting for the next one to be free. There was no potable tap water here either - thankfully all the taps were clearly labeled as such. We had filtering gear, so this was not a biggy; but those without had to buy it bottled. Rifugio Vazzoler was the only rifugio on our trek that was cash-only. Our group had pre-paid for our room/board, so we were OK; but a few others were scrambling to come up with enough bills. Again, it was gorgeous location, but that alone wasn't sufficient. Based on the overcrowded conditions and poor amenities, Rifugio Vazzoler became tied for the worst hut we stayed at on our trek. Rifugio Summary: - Setting: On a forested promontory, surrounded by tall cliffs - Rooms/dorms: Small; very tight. Deficient bathroom situation - Food: About average - Free Potable water: No - Wi-fi: Weak read more

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