Bivacco Moncalieri
1.0
2,710m
Alpes-Maritimes, France
About
Bivacco Moncalieri sits at 2,710m on the frontier ridge between France and Italy, in the Alpes-Maritimes. The hut lies a 4–5 hour walk from Refuge de la Madone de Fenestre (1,903m), following the GR52 trail southeast then climbing steeply toward the Pas de la Fenestre. The final approach traverses high alpine terrain with exposed sections. Winter access is serious mountaineering territory; summer hiking is feasible only for experienced mountain walkers. The hut marks a key waypoint for ridge traverses and scrambles across the Maritimes.
Bivacco Moncalieri is a small emergency shelter with space for 8–10 people. It offers no meals, water, or guardian. You carry everything in: stove fuel, food, and full alpine gear. The hut has bunks but no mattresses. Water comes from snowmelt or carries from lower elevations. The shelter opens year-round but is genuinely exposed; summer (July–September) is the only practical season. Winter use demands glacier experience and avalanche judgment.
This is shelter-of-last-resort terrain, not a staffed hut. Arrive with full supplies and descent plans. The Alpes-Maritimes ridges are remote; bad weather forces fast decisions. Notify the Parc National du Mercantour if using the bivacco on serious mountaineering projects. This site suits climbers tackling the ridgeline, not hikers seeking comfort or meals.
Bivacco Moncalieri is a small emergency shelter with space for 8–10 people. It offers no meals, water, or guardian. You carry everything in: stove fuel, food, and full alpine gear. The hut has bunks but no mattresses. Water comes from snowmelt or carries from lower elevations. The shelter opens year-round but is genuinely exposed; summer (July–September) is the only practical season. Winter use demands glacier experience and avalanche judgment.
This is shelter-of-last-resort terrain, not a staffed hut. Arrive with full supplies and descent plans. The Alpes-Maritimes ridges are remote; bad weather forces fast decisions. Notify the Parc National du Mercantour if using the bivacco on serious mountaineering projects. This site suits climbers tackling the ridgeline, not hikers seeking comfort or meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; this is a small bivacco with limited spaces. Contact the managing organization (CAI or local club) directly, as there's no standard online booking system.
The bivacco is accessible June to September; it's unmanned, so you must be self-sufficient year-round.
Start from Refuge de la Madone de Fenestre (1,903m) and follow the GR52 southeast for 4–5 hours, climbing steeply to Pas de la Fenestre then traversing exposed high alpine terrain to reach the hut at 2,710m.
Bivacco Moncalieri is unmanned and spartan—expect a basic shelter with a few bunks, no water, no heating, and no meals; you must bring all food, water, and a sleeping bag.
No. This is for experienced mountain walkers only; the final approach involves exposed scrambling and demanding terrain at altitude, and you need full self-sufficiency in a remote location.
Quick Facts
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