Bivacco Colle Del Sommeiller

Bivacco Colle Del Sommeiller sits at 3,009m on the Franco-Italian border in the Hautes-Alpes, on the Colle del Sommeiller between Mont Viso and the Barre des Écrins massif. Approach from the north via the Vallée de l'Ubaye: hike from Ailefroide (1,427m) in roughly 5–6 hours, gaining 1,582m over rough alpine terrain and scree. The route crosses meadows then climbs steeply via the Glacier du Sommeiller approach. From the south, Italian access is possible but involves significant glacier work and crevasse hazard. This is a high-mountain pass, not a casual day walk.

The bivacco is a small, unstaffed stone shelter offering basic emergency refuge only. Capacity is roughly 8–10 people in tight quarters on a concrete floor with minimal headroom. There is no water, electricity, heating, or catering. You bring a sleeping bag, mat, and stove. The shelter opens year-round but is practical only July–September; winter and spring approaches are serious mountaineering involving avalanche risk and full glacier technique. Most parties use it as a waypoint on multi-day traverses between the Ubaye valley and Italy rather than a destination in itself.

Do not rely on this shelter for guaranteed accommodation. Check current condition reports from FFCAM clubs (Barcelonnette section) or Italian alpine clubs before departure. Bring a tent as backup. Register with local authorities if tackling glacier sections. Mobile signal is unreliable. Carry full winter kit even in summer—weather turns fast above 3,000m.