Easy
About
Rifugio Argentea sits at 1,088m in the Ligurian Maritime Alps, above the Val Pennavaire. The hut is a 2.5-hour walk from Prela via the Passo delle Giare, or 3 hours from Molini di Triora following the ridge. Both approaches gain around 700m and stay on well-marked paths. The location works as a base for day hikes across the low but technical limestone ridges of western Liguria, or as a night stop on the GTA (Grande Traversata delle Alpi).
The rifugio is a small, working mountain hut with 30 beds split across several rooms. Meals are served daily. The kitchen uses local ingredients when possible, and they cook a proper dinner rather than just pasta. There's no electricity from the grid—the hut runs on gas and solar. Water comes from a spring. The season runs from April through October, though winter weekends sometimes open by arrangement. Phone signal is patchy; email is more reliable.
Book by email 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends and July–August. The hut can take walk-in guests on quiet days, but don't count on it in summer. The managers are straightforward Alpine club members, not hospitality professionals, so expect a working hut rather than a tourist lodge. This is a good place if you want to hike properly and don't mind basic comfort.
The rifugio is a small, working mountain hut with 30 beds split across several rooms. Meals are served daily. The kitchen uses local ingredients when possible, and they cook a proper dinner rather than just pasta. There's no electricity from the grid—the hut runs on gas and solar. Water comes from a spring. The season runs from April through October, though winter weekends sometimes open by arrangement. Phone signal is patchy; email is more reliable.
Book by email 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends and July–August. The hut can take walk-in guests on quiet days, but don't count on it in summer. The managers are straightforward Alpine club members, not hospitality professionals, so expect a working hut rather than a tourist lodge. This is a good place if you want to hike properly and don't mind basic comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends, especially July-September; weekdays are more flexible. Call ahead or check rifugio.net and cai.it for current contact details and availability.
Typically open June through September; confirm exact dates before your visit as staffing varies by year. Winter access is unreliable due to snow and exposure.
2.5 hours from Prela via Passo delle Giare (700m gain) or 3 hours from Molini di Triora via the ridge (700m gain); both routes are well-marked and suitable for fit hikers with mountain experience.
30 beds in shared dormitories, evening meal and breakfast provided; no shower but basic washing facilities. It's a simple working hut, not a luxury refuge.
Not ideal for beginners—the approaches are steep and exposed limestone ridge terrain demands sure footedness and mountain sense. Better suited to experienced hikers using it as a GTA stage or day-hike base.
Location
44.4382, 8.6418
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Don't forget to book
This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
5.0
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
Activities
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