Winter Room Rifugio Soria Ellena
1.2
Alpes-Maritimes, France
About
Rifugio Soria Ellena sits at 2,196m in the Alpes-Maritimes, reached via the Vallée de la Roya near Tende. The standard approach climbs from Lac de Castello in 4–5 hours, gaining 800m on a well-marked trail. From the hut, you can traverse into the Mercantour massif or link south towards Monte Bego and the Italian border peaks. Winter access requires mountaineering skills and avalanche assessment.
The rifugio is run by the FFCAM and operates year-round, though winter conditions demand planning. Summer capacity is around 30 people in mixed dormitories. The hut serves simple meals and provides basic facilities: no shower, pit toilets, and heating from wood stoves. Bring a sleeping bag regardless of season. Water comes from melt streams and springs. Winter visitors should carry all necessary supplies and be self-sufficient.
Book through the FFCAM Section Côte d'Azur or directly with the guardian. July and August fill 6–8 weeks ahead. Winter use is sparse but should be arranged in advance with the guardian to ensure the building is heated and provisioned. Access in winter often requires skis or snowshoes depending on conditions. Check snow forecasts and avalanche risk before committing to a winter visit.
The rifugio is run by the FFCAM and operates year-round, though winter conditions demand planning. Summer capacity is around 30 people in mixed dormitories. The hut serves simple meals and provides basic facilities: no shower, pit toilets, and heating from wood stoves. Bring a sleeping bag regardless of season. Water comes from melt streams and springs. Winter visitors should carry all necessary supplies and be self-sufficient.
Book through the FFCAM Section Côte d'Azur or directly with the guardian. July and August fill 6–8 weeks ahead. Winter use is sparse but should be arranged in advance with the guardian to ensure the building is heated and provisioned. Access in winter often requires skis or snowshoes depending on conditions. Check snow forecasts and avalanche risk before committing to a winter visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for summer weekends; winter visits require direct contact with the refuge to confirm conditions and availability.
Open year-round, but staffed reliably June to September; winter access is possible but conditions-dependent and requires advance coordination.
Start from Lac de Castello and follow the marked trail; plan 4–5 hours and 800m elevation gain to reach 2,196m.
Expect basic dormitory beds, simple meals prepared by the warden, and limited water; showers are not standard at this altitude.
Summer hiking is accessible to fit beginners with solid trail experience; winter visits are mountaineering-only and require avalanche training and rope skills.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- private
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website