Altelshütte
1.3
1,933m
Piedmont, Italy
About
Altelshütte sits at 1933m in the Cottian Alps above the Val Maira in Piedmont. Reach it from Prazzo via a steady 2.5-hour climb through larch forest, gaining 700m. The trail is well-marked and opens onto a grassy plateau with views south toward the Maritime Alps. Fit hikers can also approach from the Gelas pass (2,582m) in 1.5 hours, making a natural link in multi-day traverses.
The hut operates as a simple mountain refuge run by the local CAI section. It sleeps around 30 in dormitory rooms. Meals are standard Alpine fare: pasta, polenta, regional cheese, and soup. There's a wood-heated common room and a small bar. Water comes from a spring; toilets are outside. The hut stays open June through September, with best conditions July through August. Winter access requires mountaineering skills.
Book directly by phone ahead of your visit, especially for weekends in July and August. Single nights are possible but the hut rarely turns away walkers without reservation. It's a working base for day hikes to surrounding peaks including Gelas (2,764m) and Pelvo d'Elva (2,435m), or as a halfway point on longer routes through the Maritime Alps chain.
The hut operates as a simple mountain refuge run by the local CAI section. It sleeps around 30 in dormitory rooms. Meals are standard Alpine fare: pasta, polenta, regional cheese, and soup. There's a wood-heated common room and a small bar. Water comes from a spring; toilets are outside. The hut stays open June through September, with best conditions July through August. Winter access requires mountaineering skills.
Book directly by phone ahead of your visit, especially for weekends in July and August. Single nights are possible but the hut rarely turns away walkers without reservation. It's a working base for day hikes to surrounding peaks including Gelas (2,764m) and Pelvo d'Elva (2,435m), or as a halfway point on longer routes through the Maritime Alps chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends and July-August; weekdays outside peak season often have space. Contact the CAI section directly or check rifugio.net for availability.
Open June through September; peak staffing July-August. Call ahead before visiting in shoulder months as it may operate weekends only.
From Prazzo village, the main route is 2.5 hours gaining 700m through larch forest; experienced hikers can also approach from Gelas pass (2,582m) in 1.5 hours, useful for multi-day traverses.
Dormitory beds for around 30 people, basic meals (dinner and breakfast), and a small bar; no private rooms or showers—bring a lightweight towel and plan accordingly.
Yes for fit families and intermediate hikers; the Prazzo approach is steady and well-marked but involves real altitude gain, so not ideal for young children or very inexperienced walkers.
Quick Facts
- Season
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- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website