Rifugio Paralup

Rifugio Paralup sits at 1,650m in the upper Val Maira, southern Piedmont Alps. The hut is accessible from Prazzo by a 3-hour walk up the valley, following the main path through mixed woodland and alpine meadow. Most climbers approach Paralup as a staging point for peaks in the Cottian Alps or as a rest stop on longer traverses through the region. The location puts you within striking distance of Mont Viso (3,841m) and smaller granite peaks that dominate the skyline above the hut.
The rifugio is small and austere—16 beds split across simple dorms, with flush toilets and running water. The guardian manages the hut year-round but demand is low outside summer. Meals are available and essential since resupply from Prazzo takes 3 hours. The hut operates as a working mountain shelter rather than a lodge; expect basic comfort and straightforward hospitality. Summer can see full occupancy on weekends, particularly during July and August when the high passes are clear.
Book directly by email well ahead of any visit. Single nights are possible in shoulder seasons (June and September) but July and August weekends fill quickly. Confirm opening dates before traveling, as summer weather and guardian availability sometimes shift the operational window. The hut has no phone signal and limited winter maintenance, so plan accordingly.