Demanding
About
Rifugio Astass sits at 1,584m in the Ligurian Alps above the Val d'Aveto. Reach it on foot from Cabanne di Marcarolo (1,400m) in 1.5 hours, or from Passo Bracco (1,092m) in 2.5–3 hours. Most hikers approach via the CAI trail network connecting to nearby refuges like Rifugio Piacenza. The hut works well as a waypoint on longer ridge routes or as a base for day walks into the surrounding beech forests and alpine pasture.
The rifugio has 12 beds split across small rooms. Meals are available on request—book ahead for dinner and packed lunches. Water comes from a spring; the hut has basic facilities and a wood stove for warmth. The season runs June to September, with reduced hours in shoulder months. This is a simple, working mountain hut, not a hotel: expect rustic conditions and communal dining.
The hut is staffed sporadically, so contact the manager directly before visiting to confirm availability. Phone ahead to arrange meals and overnight stays. Summer weekends and August fill quickly with local hikers and Italian Alpine Club (CAI) groups. Visit in June, September, or weekdays for quieter conditions. The nearest village with supplies is Rezzoaglio (about 45 minutes downhill).
The rifugio has 12 beds split across small rooms. Meals are available on request—book ahead for dinner and packed lunches. Water comes from a spring; the hut has basic facilities and a wood stove for warmth. The season runs June to September, with reduced hours in shoulder months. This is a simple, working mountain hut, not a hotel: expect rustic conditions and communal dining.
The hut is staffed sporadically, so contact the manager directly before visiting to confirm availability. Phone ahead to arrange meals and overnight stays. Summer weekends and August fill quickly with local hikers and Italian Alpine Club (CAI) groups. Visit in June, September, or weekdays for quieter conditions. The nearest village with supplies is Rezzoaglio (about 45 minutes downhill).
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead during summer weekends; mid-week you can often book a few days before. Contact the rifugio directly or check rifugio.net and CAI listings for availability.
Typically open June through September, though staffing varies by year—contact ahead to confirm, especially for shoulder months or winter mountaineering season.
Most straightforward is 1.5 hours from Cabanne di Marcarolo (1,400m) via marked CAI trails; alternatively 2.5–3 hours from Passo Bracco (1,092m). It sits on ridge routes connecting to Rifugio Piacenza.
12 beds in small shared rooms and meals available on request; confirm shower availability when booking, as small rifugios sometimes have limited hot water.
Works better for fit hikers than raw beginners due to steep approach trails and minimal facilities, but it's a solid waypoint hut for families doing multi-day ridge walks in the Ligurian Alps.
Location
44.5620, 9.4719
HutLists Score
2.7
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Total
- 12
Facilities
Breakfast
Meals served
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.