Bergerie du Lauzanier
1.3
Piedmont, Italy
About
Bergerie du Lauzanier sits at 2,338m in the Maritimes above Terme di Valdieri, on the border between Piedmont and France. Reach it in 4–5 hours from Cascata del Pis trailhead near Entracque. The approach ascends steeply through beech forest then alpine meadow, gaining 1,200m. Snow lingers into June; bring crampons for spring crossing. The final pitch to the bergerie is exposed—scrambling skills and a head for heights help.
This is a working alpine dairy, not a conventional rifugio. Two beds occupy a basic shepherd's stone shelter. Cooking facilities are minimal. Water comes from a spring. The SAC (Swiss Alpine Club) and Italian alpinists use it as a base for traverses into the Maritimes or for ascents of Cima dei Gelas (3,239m). No meals or supplies available—bring everything. The hut operates June through September only, depending on snow conditions and shepherd presence.
Contact the SAC (Swiss Alpine Club) or check rifugi.net for current access and booking. Phone ahead before arriving; the bergerie operates seasonally and informally. July and August are predictably busy. Plan 2–3 days for the round trip from valley. The final descent is easier than the ascent but still steep.
This is a working alpine dairy, not a conventional rifugio. Two beds occupy a basic shepherd's stone shelter. Cooking facilities are minimal. Water comes from a spring. The SAC (Swiss Alpine Club) and Italian alpinists use it as a base for traverses into the Maritimes or for ascents of Cima dei Gelas (3,239m). No meals or supplies available—bring everything. The hut operates June through September only, depending on snow conditions and shepherd presence.
Contact the SAC (Swiss Alpine Club) or check rifugi.net for current access and booking. Phone ahead before arriving; the bergerie operates seasonally and informally. July and August are predictably busy. Plan 2–3 days for the round trip from valley. The final descent is easier than the ascent but still steep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book as early as possible—this is a working dairy with only 2 beds, so availability is extremely limited. Contact the operators directly or check rifugi.net; most Alpine dairy huts fill months ahead for summer weekends.
Typically open June to September, depending on snow melt and staffing of the dairy operation. Snow can linger into June, so confirm conditions before visiting in early summer.
Start at Cascata del Pis trailhead near Entracque; the hike takes 4–5 hours and gains 1,200m through beech forest and alpine meadow. The final scramble to the bergerie is exposed—bring crampons for spring/early summer snow crossings.
This is a working alpine dairy with 2 beds only—expect basic dormitory-style sleeping. Meals and water are typically provided, but facilities are minimal; ask when booking about what's included.
No—the exposed final scramble, serious altitude gain, and need for crampons and scrambling skills make this a trip for experienced mountaineers only, not beginners or families.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 2
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website