The ultimate escape: a pilgrimage to Europe's highest hotel | FT

The construction of the hut was directed by the Italian Alpine Club in 1889. The hut was pre-built in the valley, then brought to its final destination by mule and then by men, and assembled on site. A complete restoration started in 1977. The original hut was dismantled and was replaced by the current hut, built in Valsesia in the town of Failungo Superiore, very close to Alagna Valsesia, which opened in 1980.

Man. Getting that thing built is just simply incredible.

Props to the cameraman for lugging up all that gear.

A few years ago I organised a ‘boys walking weekend’ from London and from the comfort of my flat Alagna to the Rifugio Margarita seemed like a good option. Well, we made it and stayed overnight at the Rifugio. But I had seriously underestimated the effect of altitude sickness without proper acclimatisation and it was not a pleasant night! Even our guide, who had not been up for a couple of weeks, was affected. But as we walked down we all began to feel better, were able to bask in the glow of achievement and look forward to cold beer awaiting in Alagna!

Surely, Europe's highest hotel is in Amsterdam.

What would have been more interesting is to have seen how it was built.

Would have liked to seen more of the hotel

It's not a hotel, it's a refuge.

Very beautiful mountain views, really great thanks for sharing 👌

How do you do a video on this and not mention how they built it? XD

"Upper class pursuit?" I guess that rules me out!

Fantastic!! Would love to go here

Very charming mountain view

6:00 Zermatt in the background to the left. Nice view!

Little bit disappointing. Was looking forward to more footage of the Hotel not just the view

Went there a few years ago in April ski touring. It’s not formally open then, but they leave a room open for emergency use.

Absolutely spectacular,,, Would love to visit this hotel !

It's NOT a hotel! It'a a mountain hut for mountaineers without running water and with multi-bedded rooms with incredibly uncomfortable beds (apart from the fact that you will hardly sleep anyway due to the high altitude and the lack of acclimatisation). The "library" is simply a shelf of books containing primarily information about the climbing routes on the surrounding mountains (by this standard every house or flat has a "library"). The "bar" is also no bar, but just a counter where you can do everything, from ordering food, paying your stay, etc. Calling this a hotel is like calling an Amish Buggy a car.

Cool story. Thanks.

But how?? But did they built this thing here? How do they get all their supplies?? How did they install the wifi?? How does the plumbing work?? Honestly, THESE ARE THE QUESTIONS THAT NEED ANSWERING!!!!