Bivacco Walter Blais

Bivacco Walter Blais sits at 2,925m in the Hautes-Alpes, on the Italian side of the main Alpine watershed. The hut lies in high limestone terrain between Pic de Caramantran and Mont Viso. Approach takes 3–4 hours from the Vallée de la Guil trailhead via the Refuge Agnel, or 5–6 hours from Casteldelfino (Italy) over rocky terrain. Either route demands scrambling ability and solid mountain sense—navigation is straightforward but the ground is loose scree and broken rock.
Bivacco Walter Blais is a simple stone shelter managed by CAI Susa. It sleeps 8 in bunk beds, with no mattresses or bedding provided. There is no warden, water, or meals. Bring your own stove, fuel, food, sleeping bag, and mat. The hut offers basic emergency shelter and windbreak; plan to be self-sufficient. The structure can be crowded during summer weekends. It is open year-round in theory but is most reliably accessible June to September. Winter and shoulder seasons require avalanche awareness and winter climbing skills.
Contact CAI Susa (Club Alpino Italiano, Sezione di Susa) for access details and current conditions. The hut is unguarded, so no advance booking is needed or possible. Arrive early in the day if you want a sheltered spot. In July and August, expect other parties; capacity is tight. Always bring a headtorch, first aid kit, and a fully charged phone for emergencies. Check conditions at local rifugios before you go.