Bivacco Andrea Tornior
1.0
2,552m
Hautes-Alpes, France
About
Bivacco Andrea Tornior sits at 2,552m on the border between the Parc National de la Vanoise and the Parc National des Écrins. Reach it from Modane via the Vallon de la Rocheure. The approach takes 4–5 hours from the valley floor and gains 1,600m. Most parties break the walk over two days, using lower shelters or camping. The final section crosses rough terrain and loose scree; it's scrambling country rather than a hiking trail.
This is a basic mountain shelter, not a staffed refuge. Six beds in two bays provide emergency shelter for serious mountaineers. There is no running water, no showers, no toilets—bring a stove, fuel, and all drinking water. The hut sits on the GR55 long-distance trail, so traffic is light but steady in summer. It's useful for alpine climbing parties accessing the surrounding 3,000m peaks or crossing between the two national parks. The shelter is open year-round, though winter access is technical and requires avalanche awareness.
Reserve through the FFCAM or check availability locally in Modane. The hut operates on a self-service basis; leave a donation if you use it. Summer (June–September) is busiest, but capacity is small enough that crowding is rare. Carry a headtorch, a repair kit, and emergency supplies—help is hours away. Winter ascents require winter mountaineering skills and proper equipment.
This is a basic mountain shelter, not a staffed refuge. Six beds in two bays provide emergency shelter for serious mountaineers. There is no running water, no showers, no toilets—bring a stove, fuel, and all drinking water. The hut sits on the GR55 long-distance trail, so traffic is light but steady in summer. It's useful for alpine climbing parties accessing the surrounding 3,000m peaks or crossing between the two national parks. The shelter is open year-round, though winter access is technical and requires avalanche awareness.
Reserve through the FFCAM or check availability locally in Modane. The hut operates on a self-service basis; leave a donation if you use it. Summer (June–September) is busiest, but capacity is small enough that crowding is rare. Carry a headtorch, a repair kit, and emergency supplies—help is hours away. Winter ascents require winter mountaineering skills and proper equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bivacco Andrea Tornior is a self-service shelter with no warden or booking system—arrive early in summer as the 6 beds fill quickly and there's no reservation option.
It's accessible year-round, but practical access is July to September when snow clears and the approach is safest.
Start from Modane, head up the Vallon de la Rocheure; the approach takes 4–5 hours with 1,600m elevation gain, so most hikers split it over two days using lower shelters first.
6 basic beds, no water, no showers, no toilets—bring a water filter or carry water from streams, and use a shovel for human waste.
No: the final approach crosses rough terrain, loose scree, and scrambling; this is for experienced mountaineers comfortable with exposure and poor footing.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 6
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website
- https://www.cai-bussoleno.it/index.php/rifugio-amprimo-cai-bussoleno/bivacco-tornior-cai-bussoleno