Rifugio Malga Masi, mountain agritur in the Lagorai
Rifugio Malga Masi is a high-altitude agritur in Novaledo, Trentino-South Tyrol, set among the Lagorai meadows with views over the Valsugana. You reach it on foot, and it serves Trentino cooking, has farm animals and only a few beds. Best for hikers and families, rated 4.2 on Google.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
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Where Rifugio Malga Masi is and how to get there
Rifugio Malga Masi sits high up in the municipality of Novaledo, in Trentino-South Tyrol, in the Lagorai mountains. It lies just below a pass, at the foot of Cima Panarotta and Monte Fravort, among meadows and woods of beech, larch and fir, with a wide view over the Valsugana.
You don't drive up to the door. You walk, and that is the best part of the trip. The most mentioned starting point is the Vetriolo Terme car park, along a forest track that is part of the E5, but you can also start from Panarotta or from the take-off field where the hang gliders launch.
Guests describe the climb differently: an easy walk for everyone for some, a medium-difficulty trek for others. I would call it a simple outing for anyone used to walking, but not a trip to do in flip-flops.
What to expect from the hut, the food and the beds
Rifugio Malga Masi is a high-mountain agritur with a restaurant, in a rustic, family atmosphere. In summer it works as an agritur, and in winter it is still busy, especially at weekends and during the winter holidays.
If you want to stay the night, there are four small rooms with a shared bathroom. It is not a hotel, so don't expect private facilities. The details I have say nothing more about the rooms, so I would ask the hut directly how the beds are arranged.
The kitchen focuses on typical Trentino produce and traditional dishes. These are the things guests mention most.
- The Lupa plate. Meat grilled to order, polenta and cheese cooked on the griddle.
- Sweet and savoury options, for those who stop only for a break, with positive comments on both.
- A limited but characteristic menu, which some found not very varied.
What guests say
On Google Rifugio Malga Masi has 4.2 from 406 reviews. It is a good rating with some ups and downs, since most guests are enthusiastic while a few were disappointed by the service. These are the recurring themes.
- The view. Almost everyone talks about a wide view and a spot immersed in nature, well kept and quiet.
- The animals. Several families mention the small farm with hens, rabbits, llamas, geese and cows, which children love.
- The staff. Young, friendly and helpful team according to several guests, with food served quickly in a number of reviews.
Many also appreciate the fair prices and the fact that the place suits its setting, without pretension but with care.
What to know before you go
There are downsides, and it helps to know them. Negative reviews are few compared with the positive ones, but they describe concrete problems.
| Topic | What guests report |
|---|---|
| Service | Two guests describe long waits, wrong orders and ignored tables, while others praise the staff |
| Closing day | According to one guest the hut is closed on Mondays, and this was not clear elsewhere |
| Menu | Limited choice, with some guests hoping for more variety |
| Sun | The path has exposed stretches, so it is best to avoid the hottest hours and days |
The advice many repeat, and that I share, is to check the opening days and book ahead before you climb, especially at weekends. If the wait gets longer, a little patience helps, as at any mountain hut.
Who Rifugio Malga Masi suits
I would recommend it to families with children, who find the animals in summer and can use sledges in winter, and to hikers who want a proper lunch after the walk. It is also a good stop for anyone walking the trails around Cima Panarotta and Monte Fravort.
I would steer clear of it if you want impeccable, fast service, a private bathroom or if you do not enjoy walking. For an overnight stay, you need to be flexible.
What to do around Novaledo
The most loved route starts at Vetriolo Terme and passes the Lupa del Lagorai, with panoramic stretches over the Valsugana. You can also climb from Panarotta or, coming from the Fravort, stop after Piccolo Fravort. In winter the path can be walked without snowshoes when the snow is packed.
If you prefer to sleep in the valley, the same region has the B&B Color Rovereto in Rovereto and the Agritur Locanda San Martino in Cavizzana, while in Veneto there is the B&B Piccole Dolomiti in Belluno.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
