The winter landscape of the Italian Alps and the Apennine foothills is now home to a new generation of mountain clubs that go beyond basic ski-stop cafés. On 27 ottobre, the grand hall of Palazzo Lombardia hosted the first edition of the guide’s award ceremony, part of the larger Milano Mountain Show event. Organised by Morellini Editore, the project was conceived by Andrea Guolo and realised with the help of Giambattista Marchetto and Tiziana Di Masi. Their mission was to map out the most remarkable alpine refuges – a total of 109 venues across 32 ski areas – and to reward those that excel in hospitality, architecture, cuisine and environmental stewardship.
To be considered for the guide, a mountain club had to meet a strict rubric that scores five pillars: location, design, gastronomy, overall quality and sustainability. Each pillar receives a mark from 1 to 20, and the aggregated score is translated into a visual system of snow-flake icons. Facilities that surpass the 90-point threshold earn the coveted three-gold-flake badge, signalling a truly elite experience at altitude.
The ceremony and the guide’s scope
The award night at Palazzo Lombardia marked the public debut of the guide and introduced the Kettmeir Award – Best Mountain Club 2026. The accolade recognises the club that best combines the spirit of high-altitude adventure with sophisticated services. The guide’s coverage spans both the Alpine chain and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, offering a panoramic view of Italy’s winter tourism ecosystem. By listing 109 clubs, the editors provide a practical reference for skiers, hikers and any traveller seeking a memorable mountain stay.
Top-ranked mountain clubs
Sunny Valley Kelo Mountain Lodge – Santa Caterina Valfurva (Lombardy)
Sunny Valley, run by Beppe Bonseri, earned one of the two gold-flake recognitions. Nestled in the Valtellina basin, the lodge blends the rugged charm of traditional alpine architecture with modern comforts such as heated lounges, Wi-Fi corridors and a panoramic terrace that overlooks the snow-capped peaks. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere after a day of skiing, while the on-site restaurant serves locally sourced dishes that highlight regional flavours.
Alpinn by Norbert Niederkofler – Plan de Corones (South Tyrol)
Sharing the top honour, Alpinn is the brainchild of three-star Michelin chef Norbert Niederkofler. The concept transforms the mountain club into a culinary destination, where each plate reflects the terroir of the Dolomites. Set in the popular Plan de Corones ski area, the venue features an open-kitchen concept, an extensive wine list and a design that respects the surrounding limestone formations. The emphasis on gastronomy earned it the same three-gold-flake rating as Sunny Valley.
Other gold-badge refuges
Three additional clubs joined the elite circle: Stella di Pila in the Aosta Valley, Doss Alpine Style in Pinzolo (Trentino) and Fienile Monte at Passo Sella (Trentino). Each surpassed the 90-point benchmark, offering a mix of scenic positioning, contemporary design, quality food service and strong sustainability credentials.
Special recognitions
Beyond the overall winners, the ceremony handed out category-specific awards that highlight distinctive strengths.
Best View – Rifugio Scoiattoli, Cortina d’Ampezzo
The Scoiattoli refuge captured the Best View award thanks to its unrivalled outlook on the iconic Cinque Torri rock formation. In winter, the towers are draped in fresh powder, creating a postcard-worthy backdrop for any visitor.
Best Restaurant – Col Alt, Corvara in Badia
Col Alt earned the Best Restaurant Mountain Club title for its gourmet approach to alpine cuisine. Managed by chef Fabio Targhetta, the restaurant elevates the typical ski-lodge menu into a refined dining experience, pairing mountain herbs with premium local produce.
Best Design – Oberholz, Obereggen (South Tyrol)
Oberholz was recognised for Best Design. Its architecture integrates underground spaces and glass façades that mirror the surrounding peaks, creating a seamless dialogue between built form and nature.
Best Après-Ski – Super G Italian Mountain Club, Madonna di Campiglio
The Best Après-Ski accolade went to Super G, a venue that extends the day’s excitement with live music, cocktail bars and a vibrant social scene, making it a hotspot for night-time mountain enjoyment.
Territori Sostenibili Award – Kosmo Taste the Mountain, Livigno-Mottolino
Kosmo received the Territori Sostenibili Award for leading practices in eco-friendly operations. The lodge employs renewable energy, waste-reduction programmes and locally sourced food, setting a benchmark for responsible mountain tourism.
These recognitions illustrate a broader shift in Italian winter tourism: mountain clubs are evolving from simple rest stops into complete lifestyle destinations. Whether you are chasing the perfect ski run, a gastronomic adventure, or an environmentally conscious retreat, the 2026 guide offers a curated list of places where altitude meets excellence.
