Bivacco Gino Rainetto

Bivacco Gino Rainetto sits at 3,047m on the Italian side of the Mont-Blanc massif, on the border between Savoie and Valle d'Aosta. Reach it from Refuge de la Forclaz de la Loze (2,752m) in roughly 2.5 hours by following marked trails northeast toward Mont Emilius. The final approach crosses alpine terrain with some scrambling. Most parties access the bivouac as a stopping point during multi-day traverses of the high Alps rather than as a destination in itself.

This is a true bivouac shelter—a spartan stone building with 9 beds arranged in two rooms. There is no guardian, no meals service, and no drinking water on-site. Bring a stove and fuel to cook. The shelter provides basic protection from weather and a place to sleep between stages. Winter snows can make the hut inaccessible or dangerous; most parties visit June through September. Check conditions locally before attempting winter access.

The bivouac is open access—no booking required and no fees charged. Treat it as you would a mountain shelter anywhere in the high Alps: leave it as you find it, carry out all rubbish, and bring everything you need. Bring a full water bottle or means to melt snow. This is climber and mountaineer territory; come prepared with alpine skills and proper gear.