Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini Montanaro

Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini Montanaro sits at 2,194m in the Massif de la Vanoise, on the Italian side of the Franco-Italian border in Savoie. Most hikers approach from Pralognan-la-Vanoise via the Chalet de Pralonan and Plan de la Sau, a trek of 4–5 hours. The route is well-marked and moderate, gaining roughly 800m from the village. Winter access is severely limited; confirm conditions locally before attempting an off-season visit.
The rifugio holds 77 beds across multiple rooms and operates as a working mountain hut rather than a resort. You get a hot shower and proper flush toilets—both standard for this altitude. There is no WiFi. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is the default arrangement; meals are hearty valley cooking, not gourmet. The season runs late May through late September, with July and August fully booked by June. Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and easier access to the surrounding ridges and peaks of the Vanoise.
Book by email or phone at least 6–8 weeks ahead for July and August. May, June, and September are more flexible. Phone lines are often busy during peak season; email gets a response within two days. Bring cash for the bar and any extras not included in your booking. The hut accepts credit cards for the room charge only.