Bivacco Penne Nere
0.8
2,730m
Savoie, France
About
Bivacco Penne Nere sits at 2,730m on the border between the Parc National de la Vanoise and the Parc National des Écrins. Approach from the Val d'Aoste side via the Vallone della Leisse, a steep gully that takes 4–5 hours from the nearest road access near Bonneval-en-Tarentaise. The hut lies on the climbing approach to Mont Rosa and serves as a staging point for traverses across the high peaks between the two parks. Snow and scrambling experience are essential in early season; approach conditions change rapidly with weather and snowmelt.
Bivacco Penne Nere is a small, basic refuge with 14 beds across two or three shared rooms. It has a wood stove, basic cooking facilities, and water sourced from snowmelt or a nearby spring (treat or boil it). There are no amenities beyond shelter and sleeping space. The hut is staffed intermittently; assume you'll need to be self-sufficient for food, heat, and emergency evacuation. Open June to September, though high-elevation exposure means the season can shorten dramatically with weather. Winter ascents are possible but require mountain rescue training.
Contact the FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne) office in Tarentaise or the park authorities for current access conditions and hut status. Book directly with the refuge if staffing is confirmed for your dates—communication is unreliable. Most users are climbers and ski mountaineers passing through; arrive with all food and fuel. July and August are busiest.
Bivacco Penne Nere is a small, basic refuge with 14 beds across two or three shared rooms. It has a wood stove, basic cooking facilities, and water sourced from snowmelt or a nearby spring (treat or boil it). There are no amenities beyond shelter and sleeping space. The hut is staffed intermittently; assume you'll need to be self-sufficient for food, heat, and emergency evacuation. Open June to September, though high-elevation exposure means the season can shorten dramatically with weather. Winter ascents are possible but require mountain rescue training.
Contact the FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne) office in Tarentaise or the park authorities for current access conditions and hut status. Book directly with the refuge if staffing is confirmed for your dates—communication is unreliable. Most users are climbers and ski mountaineers passing through; arrive with all food and fuel. July and August are busiest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 3–4 months ahead for July and August; this is a small bivacco with only 14 beds and no guardian, so availability is limited and weather-dependent.
Typically June to September, but access depends on snow conditions—early season requires mountaineering skills and may be impossible before July.
Approach via Vallone della Leisse from the Val d'Aoste side near Bonneval-en-Tarentaise; allow 4–5 hours from road access and expect steep scrambling and snow patches.
As an unstaffed bivacco, there are no meals, water, or heat—bring your own food, fuel, sleeping bag, and expect basic shelter only.
No—this is for experienced mountaineers only; the approach requires scrambling, snow travel, and route-finding skills, and is unsuitable for families or casual hikers.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 14
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website
- https://www.lovevda.it/it/banca-dati/7/bivacchi/valpelline/bivacco-penne-nere/2523