About
Bivacco Matale sits at 2,050m on the eastern flank of Monte Dadà in the Ligurian Alps. Approach from Calizzano via the Colle di Melogno (1,027m): allow 4–5 hours on foot. The route gains 1,000m through mixed terrain and exposed passages. This is a mountain hut for experienced hikers, not a casual walk-up.
The bivouac sleeps 7 in basic dormitory conditions. There is no guardian and no meals service. You bring your own food and water—collect water from the small spring nearby if it runs, but assume it may be dry in summer. The hut has a wood stove for winter use and provides basic shelter: sleeping platform, foam mattresses, and a few blankets. Open year-round for winter mountaineers, but most traffic is June to September. The structure is small, cramped, and unheated except for the stove.
This is a self-service bivouac. There is no booking system and no phone contact. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends. Winter ascents to Monte Dadà and the Passo del Prino benefit from this shelter, but come prepared for cold nights and limited comfort. Bring your own sleeping bag, food, fuel, and water containers. Notify a friend of your plans; rescue response at this elevation is slow.
The bivouac sleeps 7 in basic dormitory conditions. There is no guardian and no meals service. You bring your own food and water—collect water from the small spring nearby if it runs, but assume it may be dry in summer. The hut has a wood stove for winter use and provides basic shelter: sleeping platform, foam mattresses, and a few blankets. Open year-round for winter mountaineers, but most traffic is June to September. The structure is small, cramped, and unheated except for the stove.
This is a self-service bivouac. There is no booking system and no phone contact. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends. Winter ascents to Monte Dadà and the Passo del Prino benefit from this shelter, but come prepared for cold nights and limited comfort. Bring your own sleeping bag, food, fuel, and water containers. Notify a friend of your plans; rescue response at this elevation is slow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bivacco Matale is unmanned, so there's no booking system—it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early or have a backup plan since capacity is only 7 beds.
It's a year-round unmanned bivouac with no guardian or seasonal closure, though practical access depends on snow conditions in winter.
Approach from Calizzano via Colle di Melogno (1,027m), gaining 1,000m over 4–5 hours through mixed terrain with exposed passages; this route is for experienced hikers only.
Basic dormitory sleeping for 7 with no meals service, no guardian, and no shower; bring your own food and water, though a small spring nearby may provide water when flowing.
No—this is strictly for experienced mountaineers; the approach involves 1,000m gain, exposed terrain, and self-sufficiency in a remote unmanned shelter.
Location
44.3734, 10.0177
HutLists Score
1.5
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Total
- 7
- Emergency
- 7
Contact & Booking
- Website
- https://www.lunigianaworld.it/rifugi-e-bivacchi/bivacco-matale/
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.