Refuge Balma

Rifugio Balma sits at 1,883m on the Ligurian side of the western Alps, where the Maritime Alps begin to rise. Reach it from the village of Triora in 3.5 hours via the Passo Garezzo route. The approach follows waymarked trails through beech forest that opens onto alpine pasture near the hut. Most hikers start early from the valley floor and arrive by mid-afternoon.

The rifugio sleeps 20 in simple shared rooms. Half-board only: dinner and breakfast are included with your bed. Meals are basic mountain food, cooked on-site. Water comes from a spring. The hut has no electricity generator, so there's no charging, heating, or hot showers—bring a headtorch and warm sleeping bag. Opening dates vary by season; confirm before travel. It operates as a base for ridge walks toward Monte Saccarello and day trips across the Ligurian/Piedmont border.

Call the hut directly to book (ask locally for the phone number—it changes seasonally and has no reliable online listing). They speak Italian; arrange a booking in advance. July and August fill weekends 3–4 weeks ahead. Spring and autumn offer far fewer crowds. The hut closes in winter. Expect to pay around €50–60 per person for half-board.