Casa Alpina "Fornetti"

Casa Alpina Fornetti sits at 2,035m in the Val di Lanzo, in the Cottian Alps south of Turin. The hut is reached via the Piancanello trail from Usseglio (1,755m), a 2–2.5 hour ascent through pasture and light forest. The route is well-marked but steep in sections. A vehicle road reaches nearly 1,900m at the Rifugio Balma trailhead, cutting the walk to around 90 minutes. The hut serves as a base for climbs into the surrounding peaks and for traverses across the range toward Gran Paradiso.
The hut has 50 beds split across multiple rooms. It runs a self-catering kitchen and provides hot water and cooking gas; you bring your own food or eat meals prepared by the guardian if arrangements are made ahead. Toilet and washing facilities are basic but functional. Water is sourced from a spring nearby. The hut typically opens from June to September, though dates shift with snow melt and weather. Winter access is on foot only and requires avalanche awareness.
Contact CAI Pinasca directly to book and confirm opening dates. The hut fills weekends and during school holidays in July and August; book 4–6 weeks ahead for these periods. Mid-week visits in June and September offer quieter conditions. Bring a torch, warm layers, and a sleeping bag. The guardian's contact details are available through the CAI website.