Rifugio Ottorino Mezzalama is a mountain hut located in the municipality of Ayas (AO), in the Val d'Ayas, at 3036 meters. It is named after Ottorino Mezzalama (1888-1931), a mountaineer from Turin who was swept away by an avalanche on the Malavalle Glacier in the Breonie Alps.
The Mezzalama Refuge, located on the lateral moraine of the Great Verra Glacier at the base of the Lambronecca Rocks, is one of the historic refuges of the Aosta Valley. It is one of the most classic, well-known and popular destinations in Val d'Ayas, with its wide views of the glaciers (which today, however, due to the very considerable retreat, no longer reach the immediate vicinity of the refuge).
The actual trail to the Mezzalama Refuge begins at Pian di Verra Superiore. To reach it, you can either walk up (see below) or take advantage of an off-road service and avoid 90-120' of approach walking time.
