Bivouac Boerio
0.8Bivacco Boerio
3,089m
Piedmont, Italy
About
Bivacco Boerio sits at 3,089m on the ridge between Punta Gnifetti and Punta Parrotino in the Monte Rosa massif. Reach it from Rifugio Gnifetti (3,647m) in 90 minutes across mixed terrain, or from Rifugio Margherita in 2 hours. Most hikers approach via Gressoney-Saint-Jean, gaining the ridge at Punta di Nona then traversing south. The final approach crosses snow and scree in summer; winter and spring access demands glacier experience and rope skills.
The bivouac is a basic stone refuge with capacity for 10 people. It has no guardian, no food, no fuel, and no water source nearby—you carry everything. The structure provides shelter from wind and weather but expect tight quarters and minimal comfort. Most climbers use it as a high camp for Monte Rosa ascents or as an emergency refuge during ridge traverses. No electricity, no heating, no toilet facilities beyond a basic pit.
This is mountaineer terrain, not a hut for casual hikers. Bring a sleeping bag rated to −15°C, your own food, fuel, and water. Check conditions at Rifugio Gnifetti before departing—the ridge is exposed and prone to sudden weather. Access is free but unmanaged. Plan for full self-sufficiency and turn back if conditions deteriorate.
The bivouac is a basic stone refuge with capacity for 10 people. It has no guardian, no food, no fuel, and no water source nearby—you carry everything. The structure provides shelter from wind and weather but expect tight quarters and minimal comfort. Most climbers use it as a high camp for Monte Rosa ascents or as an emergency refuge during ridge traverses. No electricity, no heating, no toilet facilities beyond a basic pit.
This is mountaineer terrain, not a hut for casual hikers. Bring a sleeping bag rated to −15°C, your own food, fuel, and water. Check conditions at Rifugio Gnifetti before departing—the ridge is exposed and prone to sudden weather. Access is free but unmanaged. Plan for full self-sufficiency and turn back if conditions deteriorate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead during summer season; this is a small 10-bed bivacco and fills quickly. Contact rifugio.net or check CAI.it for availability, as many Alpine bivaccs operate on first-come basis.
Typically open July through September; it's unstaffed, so you're self-sufficient once inside. Winter and spring access is possible only with full mountaineering gear and experience.
Approach via Gressoney-Saint-Jean to Punta di Nona (2-3 hours), then traverse south along the ridge; from Rifugio Gnifetti it's 90 minutes over mixed terrain including snow and scree. All routes demand good fitness and scrambling ability.
10 beds in a basic stone refuge with no running water, heating, or meals—bring your own stove, food, and sleeping bag. Expect minimal shelter; it's a true bivouac, not a staffed rifugio.
No—this is for experienced mountaineers only. The approach involves glacier terrain, scrambling, and altitude (3,089m); summer routes cross snow and scree, while winter/spring require rope skills and crevasse rescue knowledge.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 10
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website