Bivouac Colle Clapier
1.0Bivacco Colle Clapier
2,510m
Piedmont, Italy
About
Bivacco Colle Clapier sits at 2,510m on the French-Italian border in Piedmont's Maritime Alps. Approach from the Val Gesso valley via the Pian di Gias trailhead, hiking 4–5 hours through open terrain and rocky slopes to reach the col. The route is straightforward in summer but exposed and requires mountain sense in poor weather.
This is a basic unmanned bivouac—a stone shelter with 8 beds, no guardian, no meals, and no facilities beyond a roof and sleeping platforms. You bring everything: food, water, stove fuel, and headtorches. The shelter offers essential protection on high routes crossing into France toward Mont Bégo or descending toward Gelas. Summer only, roughly June to September depending on snow conditions. Check conditions locally before committing.
There is no booking system. Arrive early to secure space, especially in July and August. The hut fills quickly on weekends during good weather. Bring a sleeping bag and mat—the platforms are bare. Register with local CAI sections or check current access at cai.it. Weather can change rapidly at this elevation; descent routes must be planned before darkness falls.
This is a basic unmanned bivouac—a stone shelter with 8 beds, no guardian, no meals, and no facilities beyond a roof and sleeping platforms. You bring everything: food, water, stove fuel, and headtorches. The shelter offers essential protection on high routes crossing into France toward Mont Bégo or descending toward Gelas. Summer only, roughly June to September depending on snow conditions. Check conditions locally before committing.
There is no booking system. Arrive early to secure space, especially in July and August. The hut fills quickly on weekends during good weather. Bring a sleeping bag and mat—the platforms are bare. Register with local CAI sections or check current access at cai.it. Weather can change rapidly at this elevation; descent routes must be planned before darkness falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don't book—this is an unmanned bivouac with first-come, first-served access. Check rifugi.net for current status, but assume no reservations or guardian service.
Open year-round but practically accessible June–September; it's unmanned with no services, so winter use requires full alpine experience and self-sufficiency.
Start from Pian di Gias trailhead in Val Gesso valley; hike 4–5 hours on a straightforward summer route through open terrain and rocky slopes to the col at 2,510m.
None—bring everything. The stone shelter has 8 beds and a roof; no guardian, no food, no water, no heating, no showers.
Not for beginners or families. You need solid mountain navigation, self-sufficiency, and experience in exposed terrain; the exposed col route is dangerous in poor weather.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 8
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- 8
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website
- https://www.haute-maurienne-vanoise.com/en/group-accommodation/bivouac-hannibal-val-cenis/