Moderate
About
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends and summer months, given the 20-bed capacity. Call ahead directly or check rifugio.net for availability and half-board rates.
Typical season runs June through September, though confirm exact dates by calling ahead as staffing depends on weather and demand in this exposed location.
Start from Triora village and follow waymarked trails via Passo Garezzo for 3.5 hours; the route climbs through beech forest then alpine pasture, gaining roughly 1,000m elevation.
20 beds in simple shared rooms, half-board only (dinner and breakfast included), basic mountain cooking—bring a headlamp and earplugs; no shower facilities.
Suitable for fit hikers comfortable with 3.5 hours uphill and basic accommodation; not ideal for families with young children or those wanting comfort, but the well-marked trail is straightforward.
Location
44.2287, 7.7759
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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
4.8
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Total
- 20
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +39 0174 334288
- Website
- http://www.rifugiolabalma.it/
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.