Bivouac Col d'Egua
1.0Bivacco Col d'Egua
2,260m
Piedmont, Italy
About
Bivacco Col d'Egua sits at 2,260m on the Col d'Egua pass in the Maritime Alps between Piedmont and France. Reach it from the Gesso Valley in 3–4 hours of steady climbing. The approach follows the Vallone del Preit stream, then steeper terrain to the col. This is proper mountain terrain—expect loose scree and scrambling on the final pitches. The hut works as a base for traverses across the Maritime Alps or as an overnight stop on ridge walks linking the peaks around the col.
The bivouac is a small, staffed shelter with 12 beds in dormitory spaces. Meals are basic and hearty. Water comes from the col's small springs. There is no electricity, heating, or hot showers—this is alpine mountaineering accommodation, not a resort. The season runs June to September. Staff are present most of the time but you should check conditions before attempting the route in unsettled weather.
Book ahead for July and August, particularly if you're part of a larger group. Contact the hut directly by phone or email to confirm staff presence and food availability. Winter ascent is possible but serious—the col is exposed and you'll need winter gear, avalanche training, and careful route-finding.
The bivouac is a small, staffed shelter with 12 beds in dormitory spaces. Meals are basic and hearty. Water comes from the col's small springs. There is no electricity, heating, or hot showers—this is alpine mountaineering accommodation, not a resort. The season runs June to September. Staff are present most of the time but you should check conditions before attempting the route in unsettled weather.
Book ahead for July and August, particularly if you're part of a larger group. Contact the hut directly by phone or email to confirm staff presence and food availability. Winter ascent is possible but serious—the col is exposed and you'll need winter gear, avalanche training, and careful route-finding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead during July and August; shoulder seasons (June, September) are less crowded. Contact the managing CAI section directly or check rifugio.net for availability, as this small 12-bed bivacco fills quickly on weekends.
Open June through September; staffing depends on the CAI section managing it, so confirm current opening dates and guardian presence before you go. Winter access is self-service only.
Start from the Gesso Valley and climb 3–4 hours via the Vallone del Preit stream, then steeper loose terrain and scrambling to the Col d'Egua pass at 2,260m. This is exposed mountain terrain—not a walk.
Expect 12 beds, basic shelter, and a water source nearby; bring a stove and food. No meals or showers—this is a minimal bivouac, not a staffed rifugio.
No—the approach involves scrambling, loose rock, and exposed terrain at 2,260m. It's for experienced hill walkers and mountaineers comfortable with Alpine scrambling and self-sufficiency.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 12
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website