Rifugio Ciavanassa

1.7
1,874m Savoie, France
Easy

About

Rifugio Ciavanassa sits at 1,874m in the Maritime Alps, above the Vallone della Punta. Approach from Monesi di Triora on the Italian side: 2.5 hours on foot via a steady trail through larch forest and alpine meadow. From the French side (Peira-Cava), allow 3 hours. The hut sits on a major north-south hiking axis, making it a natural stop between lower valleys and the higher ridge system.

The rifugio is a working mountain shelter, not a hotel. Capacity runs around 30 beds in basic dorm rooms. Meals are simple—the warden cooks evening dinner and breakfast. No hot showers; water comes from the stream. The hut runs year-round but staffing is seasonal; contact ahead before October or after May. No WiFi or mobile signal. Bring a headlamp and expect rudimentary conditions.

Book by email at least two weeks ahead, especially for weekends. July and August fill quickly. Arrive before dark. The warden prefers cash payment; confirm on your booking what's accepted. This is a walker's refuge, not a tourist stop—quiet, reliable, and perfectly adequate for a night between ridge traverses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Email the rifugio directly at least 2–3 months ahead for peak season (July–August); shoulder months need less notice.
Open June to September, staffed weekends year-round and daily during summer.
2.5 hours from Monesi di Triora (Italy) or 3 hours from Peira-Cava (France); both are steady, well-marked trails through forest and meadow.
Dorm beds (around 30 total) and simple meals; no showers, basic mountain shelter conditions.
Yes—the approach trails are steady and well-marked with no scrambling, making it good for anyone with basic hill fitness.

Quick Facts

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Dormitory
Emergency
Private rooms

Facilities

Meals served

Contact & Booking

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Website

Activities