What time do the lights go out in the evening?
Chiudono: KYOO-do-no. Third-person plural of chiudere. Stress on the first syllable.
Ask when checking in at a rifugio dormitory. Lights-out is typically 10pm, and early risers start at 4-5am — earplugs and a good sleep mask are essential.
A che ora means 'at what time'. Chiudono le luci literally means 'the lights close' — it's the idiomatic Italian way to say lights go out. Le luci is feminine plural.
A che ora si fa colazione?
What time is breakfast?
Rifugio breakfast is usually 6-7am for hikers.
C'è una presa di corrente in camerata?
Is there a power outlet in the dormitory?
For charging devices — many older rifugi don't have them.
Le docce sono calde?
Are the showers hot?
Hot water is never guaranteed at altitude — solar-heated only.
Rifugio culture has its own etiquette: be quiet after lights-out, fold your blankets in the morning, remove muddy boots at the entrance, and always greet other guests. The rifugista's word is law — they've seen everything and their advice is gold.