Rifugio Malinvern
1.7
1,839m
Alpes-Maritimes, France
About
Rifugio Malinvern sits at 1839m in the Alpes-Maritimes, on the border between France and Italy. The hut serves as a base for hikers working the Mercantour trails and cross-border ridges. Access from the Vallée de la Roya takes 3–4 hours on foot; approach via Fontan or Roquebillière depending on your route. The terrain is steep and exposed in places, particularly in descent.
The rifugio has 46 beds split across several rooms. Half-board (demi-pension) is standard—expect simple mountain food and decent coffee. The Italian side of the border means meals follow local tradition rather than French hut convention. Showers work when water pressure allows. The hut operates year-round, though winter access requires mountain judgment and possibly crampons. Staff speak Italian, French, and basic English.
Book by phone direct to the hut. Summer weekends (July–August) fill 6–8 weeks ahead. Spring and autumn are quieter but weather is unpredictable above 1800m. Confirm your arrival time when you call; the staff need to know numbers for cooking. Bring cash if you plan to settle your bill on departure—card machines are unreliable at this elevation and distance from towns.
The rifugio has 46 beds split across several rooms. Half-board (demi-pension) is standard—expect simple mountain food and decent coffee. The Italian side of the border means meals follow local tradition rather than French hut convention. Showers work when water pressure allows. The hut operates year-round, though winter access requires mountain judgment and possibly crampons. Staff speak Italian, French, and basic English.
Book by phone direct to the hut. Summer weekends (July–August) fill 6–8 weeks ahead. Spring and autumn are quieter but weather is unpredictable above 1800m. Confirm your arrival time when you call; the staff need to know numbers for cooking. Bring cash if you plan to settle your bill on departure—card machines are unreliable at this elevation and distance from towns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the rifugio by phone at least 2–3 months ahead, especially for summer weekends; they fill quickly given the 46-bed capacity and popularity of Mercantour routes.
Rifugio Malinvern is typically open June to September; confirm exact dates and staffing by phone before planning your trip.
Approach from Vallée de la Roya (3–4 hours on foot) via Fontan or Roquebillière; the terrain is steep and exposed in places, particularly on descent.
Half-board (demi-pension) is standard, with simple mountain food; the rifugio has 46 beds in shared rooms but limited shower facilities typical of mountain huts.
No—the steep, exposed terrain and long approach make this better suited to hikers with solid mountain experience and good navigation skills.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 46
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +39 0171 1936018
- Website
- http://www.rifugiomalinvern.it