Dreaming of a mountain hut: the eco-friendly ‘Rifugio Sogno’

Have you ever dreamed of leaving everything once and forever and changing your life completely? Guela and Roberto did it. Now, owners of a mountain hut by chance, they left their office work and opened their Rifugio Sogno (literally, a mountain hut named ‘Dream’), at 2500m, among the Valle D’Aosta mountaintops and in the Alpine Pearl of Cogne, just close to the Gran Paradiso. Let’s get to know them together!

Guela and Roberto have always dreamed of a simple life, spent in nature and in the mountains. One day, they found the courage to make their dream come true. They left their work office and turned their lives upside down. They moved to high altitude, among chamois, deer, and unspoiled nature. Now they run a beautiful and eco-friendly mountain hut, the Rifugio Sogno di Berdzé, which is also one of the Alps’ Pearls hosting structures. We interviewed Guela and Roberto and here’s what they told us.

How was your eco-hosting project born?

It all happened by chance. After spending a long time working in an office and living the rest of our lives with the family, we decided to change them completely. From our dream to the mountain hut ‘Dream‘ (Rifugio Sogno), a self-sufficient hosting facility at 2500m of altitude, in the unique eco-friendly environment of Cognè, Valle d’Aosta. Thanks to the owner, Mr. Berger, the deal was done and here we are, living our dream in our Rifugio Sogno.

Roberto and Guela at their Mountain Hut Rifugio Sogno di Berdzè.

What makes you unique sustainable hosts?

We are just one step away from Mount Gran Paradiso (we are literally 3m away) as well as from the Avic Park (300m). Hikers can reach our mountain hut on foot. We produce electricity through a hydroelectric power plant and we will also install a wind power plant very soon. Despite the difficulties with transportation, we recycle 90% of our waste, since we manage the organic waste in the hut. We also use eco-compatible cleaning products and recycled paper. As for the activities, we offer our visitors many different slow tracks in nature, both on foot and by mountain bike.

So what do you suggest your hosts do? Itineraries, experiences, excursions?

If you leave from our Rifugio Sogno, it only takes about an hour of walking to get to some of the best lakes in the area, the ideal destination to get immersed in nature. The Vallone dell’Urtier is a magical place to discover a unique flora. And spending your evenings with the Gran Paradiso Park Warden, with the Mountain Guide, or even with the Alpine Botanist will help everyone, even the beginners, to get to know the beauties of our land.

Goilles dessous, Vallone Urtier, Cogne , Aosta Valley

Which are the eco-friendly measures you adopted?

Well, of course, we use renewable resources to keep things going: our electrical energy comes from hydro-power plants and wind plants. The heating is from 100% renewable resources as well. And then, we only use spring water and prefer walking to driving. We ask our hosts to help with waste recycling (which goes up to 90%), thanks to different containers to separate garbage. We try to reduce the heating in our rooms and the use of hot water, in a way that fits with our hospitality.

What does it mean for you to be one of the ‘Alpine Pearls‘?

First, it’s to be in love with mountains. It’s a way of thinking and acting, looking for a life that cares for the environment. It’s sharing experiences with people, who behave exactly the same responsible way you do. It’s looking for beauty in the most simple things, even picking up litter that was left by others because you feel like you belong to that place. It’s the desire to leave the world even better than you found it.