Demanding
About
Bivacco Andrea Tornior sits at 2,552m on the border between Piedmont and the Aosta Valley, serving climbers approaching the Monte Rosa massif from the south. Reach it from Macugnaga via the Sesia Valley trail—allow 4–5 hours from Staffal. The final approach crosses steep terrain and requires scrambling experience. A winter approach from the Gnifetti Glacier side is possible but demands mountaineering skills and current conditions knowledge.
This is a basic bivouac with 6 beds in shared dormitory bunks. There's no guardian (rifugista), no meals, and no running water. You'll find a fireplace, basic shelter from wind and weather, and a visitors' book. Bring your own sleeping bag, mat, stove, and all food and fuel. The bivouac opens year-round but is most reliably accessible June through September. Winter access requires serious alpine experience and avalanche awareness.
Book by contacting CAI Macugnaga directly or check current conditions before departure—the hut is remote and unmanned. Carry a detailed map and compass. Mobile signal is unreliable at this elevation. This is a working hut for mountaineers, not a comfortable overnight stop. Stock water sources below 2,500m and plan accordingly. Go in dry, settled weather.
This is a basic bivouac with 6 beds in shared dormitory bunks. There's no guardian (rifugista), no meals, and no running water. You'll find a fireplace, basic shelter from wind and weather, and a visitors' book. Bring your own sleeping bag, mat, stove, and all food and fuel. The bivouac opens year-round but is most reliably accessible June through September. Winter access requires serious alpine experience and avalanche awareness.
Book by contacting CAI Macugnaga directly or check current conditions before departure—the hut is remote and unmanned. Carry a detailed map and compass. Mobile signal is unreliable at this elevation. This is a working hut for mountaineers, not a comfortable overnight stop. Stock water sources below 2,500m and plan accordingly. Go in dry, settled weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact CAI or check rifugi.net closer to your trip date—as a basic 6-bed bivacco, it fills quickly during summer but has no formal booking system like staffed rifugis. Arrive early in the day if planning to stay, or be prepared to camp nearby.
It's an unstaffed bivacco, open year-round but practically accessible only June through September; winter access requires mountaineering experience and knowledge of current glacier conditions.
From Staffal in Macugnaga via the Sesia Valley trail, allow 4–5 hours; the final approach is steep with scrambling sections requiring sure footedness and comfort on exposed terrain.
Expect 6 beds in a shared dormitory with basic shelter—no warden, no meals, no water or heating systems, so bring a stove, food, and sleeping gear.
No—the steep final scramble, lack of facilities, and high altitude (2,552m) make it only suitable for experienced mountaineers and climbers with scrambling skills heading to Monte Rosa.
Location
44.8537, 6.9079
HutLists Score
2.7
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Season
- Year-round
- Total
- 6
Contact & Booking
- Website
- https://www.cai-bussoleno.it/index.php/rifugio-amprimo-cai-bussoleno/bivacco-tornior-cai-bussoleno
Activities
Featured In
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