Bivacco Colle Clapier
1.2About
Bivacco Colle Clapier sits at 2,510m on the border between France and Italy in the Hautes-Alpes, accessible via the Vallée de la Guisane from Guillestre. The approach takes 4–5 hours from Ailefroide, gaining 1,400m through alpine meadows and rocky terrain. The final section climbs steeply to the col. This is a serious mountain approach, not a day hiker's destination. Winter access is unreliable; aim for June through September.
The bivacco is a small, unmanned refuge with 8 beds across two compartments. There is no warden, no meals, and no water source—you must carry everything including fuel and food. The shelter provides basic protection from wind and weather. Bring a stove, sleeping bag rated for freezing temperatures, and water purification tablets. Most users treat this as an emergency shelter or high-altitude base camp for traverses toward Mont Viso or explorations in the Parc National des Écrins.
Register your presence in the logbook. Check current conditions with the FFCAM office in Guillestre before departing. Assume the bivacco is always available, but severe weather or snow can render the col impassable. Do not rely on this shelter for a comfortable night—you need mountain experience, proper gear, and self-sufficiency.
The bivacco is a small, unmanned refuge with 8 beds across two compartments. There is no warden, no meals, and no water source—you must carry everything including fuel and food. The shelter provides basic protection from wind and weather. Bring a stove, sleeping bag rated for freezing temperatures, and water purification tablets. Most users treat this as an emergency shelter or high-altitude base camp for traverses toward Mont Viso or explorations in the Parc National des Écrins.
Register your presence in the logbook. Check current conditions with the FFCAM office in Guillestre before departing. Assume the bivacco is always available, but severe weather or snow can render the col impassable. Do not rely on this shelter for a comfortable night—you need mountain experience, proper gear, and self-sufficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the management in advance (details via CAF or local tourist offices); this small bivacco fills quickly in July–August, so aim for at least 2–3 months ahead.
Open June through September; it's unmanned, so you're self-sufficient once inside—check snow conditions before visiting in early June.
Start from Ailefroide in the Vallée de la Guisane; the hike takes 4–5 hours, gains 1,400m, and ends with a steep rocky climb to Colle Clapier at 2,510m.
The bivacco has 8 beds in two compartments but no water, heating, or warden—bring a stove, fuel, and all water or melt snow; toilet is basic.
No—this is a mountaineering destination requiring solid fitness, route-finding skills, and comfort with exposed alpine terrain; the 1,400m gain and steep final approach rule out casual hikers.
Location
45.1670, 6.9185
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Quick Facts
- Total
- 8
Contact & Booking
- Website
- https://www.haute-maurienne-vanoise.com/en/group-accommodation/bivouac-hannibal-val-cenis/
Activities
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