Bivacco Carmagnola
1.0
2,840m
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France
About
Bivacco Carmagnola sits at 2,840m on the south side of Monte Rosa, in the heart of the Wallis Alps near the Swiss border. Reach it from Gressoney-la-Trinité (about 1,800m) via the Gressoney Valley in roughly 4–5 hours. The route follows the Gressoney-Saint-Jean trail, then branches toward the Colle di Naso (2,689m) before a final scramble to the hut. The approach is steep but straightforward; good trails, some rocky sections near the hut. The hut serves climbers attempting Monte Rosa's southeast slopes and hikers crossing the high terrain between the Lys and Verra valleys.
Bivacco Carmagnola is a small emergency shelter with room for about 8–10 people on a first-come basis. Expect basic facilities: a wooden structure, a stove, a few benches, and minimal sleeping space. There is no guardian, no hot meals, and no water on-site—bring a full bottle. The hut operates year-round in theory, but winter access is very difficult and weather-dependent. Summer (July–September) is the only reliable season for most parties.
This is a true bivouac, not a staffed hut. Do not rely on finding space or supplies. Bring a sleeping bag, food, and water. If you plan to use it as a base for mountaineering, scout the area in daylight and be ready to descend or find alternative shelter. Check conditions with the Gressoney tourist office or local guides before heading in, particularly outside summer.
Bivacco Carmagnola is a small emergency shelter with room for about 8–10 people on a first-come basis. Expect basic facilities: a wooden structure, a stove, a few benches, and minimal sleeping space. There is no guardian, no hot meals, and no water on-site—bring a full bottle. The hut operates year-round in theory, but winter access is very difficult and weather-dependent. Summer (July–September) is the only reliable season for most parties.
This is a true bivouac, not a staffed hut. Do not rely on finding space or supplies. Bring a sleeping bag, food, and water. If you plan to use it as a base for mountaineering, scout the area in daylight and be ready to descend or find alternative shelter. Check conditions with the Gressoney tourist office or local guides before heading in, particularly outside summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for summer weekends; this is a small bivacco with limited capacity, so early reservation is essential.
Bivacco Carmagnola is staffed June to September; outside these months it's open but unstaffed and unmaintained.
Start from Gressoney-la-Trinité (1,800m) and follow the Gressoney-Saint-Jean trail via Colle di Naso (2,689m); allow 4–5 hours for the 1,040m climb.
As a bivacco, expect basic shelter only—a roof and walls with no meals, no water on-site, and no beds; bring your own sleeping bag and stove.
No; this is a mountaineer's shelter requiring solid fitness, scrambling ability, and experience on steep Alpine terrain; it's intended for Monte Rosa climbers, not casual hikers.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website
- http://www.caicarmagnola.it/?page_id=1256