---
title: "Malga Giau"
type: "mountain-hut"
lang: "en"
elevation_m: 2015
capacity: "10 Guests"
opening_dates: "April - November"
region: "Veneto"
locality: "Cortina d'Ampezzo"
url: "https://dolomites-guide.com/mountain-huts/malga-giau/"
description: "Guide to Malga Giau at 2,015 m below Passo Giau. Traditional dairy farm with fresh cheeses, rustic overnight beds, and easy road access from Cortina."
---

# Malga Giau

A traditional alpine dairy farm just below Passo Giau, where hikers can enjoy fresh local cheeses and sleep in a rustic setting surrounded by open meadows.

## At a glance

- Elevation: 2015 m
- Capacity: 10 Guests
- Opening: April - November
- Region: Veneto
- Locality: Cortina d'Ampezzo

## Description

Malga Giau is a working alpine dairy situated at 2,015 m (6,611 ft) on the lush pastures below **Passo Giau**, on the Cortina side of the pass road. The malga continues the centuries-old tradition of summer cattle grazing, and its small kitchen produces fresh butter, ricotta, and aged cheeses on site. It is a beloved stop for hikers descending from **Nuvolau** or walking the trails between **Cortina** and **Val Fiorentina**.

The landscape here is wide and gentle - rolling green meadows dotted with wildflowers, framed by the rocky outlines of **Croda da Lago** to the east and the **Lastoni di Formin** plateau to the north. The setting feels pastoral and unhurried, a welcome contrast to the more dramatic terrain at higher elevations. Cows graze freely around the building throughout the summer months.

Accommodation is extremely limited, with just 10 beds in a simple dormitory above the dairy. The experience is authentic and rustic - expect wooden bunks and shared facilities. The food alone is worth the visit, with fresh dairy products, polenta, and grilled meats served on a sunny terrace. The malga is a 15-minute walk below the **Passo Giau** car park. Booking ahead is necessary.