Demanding
About
Bivacco Ettore Conti sits at 2,599m in the high valleys of Piedmont's Maritime Alps. Reach it from Rifugio Fonte Gelata (1,993m) via the Pian della Scala, a steep 2.5-hour approach that gains 600m of elevation. The route follows marked trails through alpine meadows before climbing into the rocky upper basin. This is a working mountaineer's hut, not a social hub—come prepared for the altitude and exposure.
The bivouac operates as a basic refuge with 9 beds across two dormitories. There's no food service or heating. You'll find a water source nearby and an emergency shelter structure. The hut sits on the approach to Mont Malinvern and several peaks in the Maritimes, making it essential for climbers tackling multi-pitch routes or traverses that demand an early start. Winter snow and exposure make this unsuitable for inexperienced alpinists.
Call ahead before arriving. The hut is managed locally and staffing is seasonal and irregular—July to September is most reliable. Leave contact details with someone in the valley before heading up. Bring your own stove, fuel, and sleeping bag. Water is available but treat it. This is a refuge for committed mountaineers, not a comfortable overnight option.
The bivouac operates as a basic refuge with 9 beds across two dormitories. There's no food service or heating. You'll find a water source nearby and an emergency shelter structure. The hut sits on the approach to Mont Malinvern and several peaks in the Maritimes, making it essential for climbers tackling multi-pitch routes or traverses that demand an early start. Winter snow and exposure make this unsuitable for inexperienced alpinists.
Call ahead before arriving. The hut is managed locally and staffing is seasonal and irregular—July to September is most reliable. Leave contact details with someone in the valley before heading up. Bring your own stove, fuel, and sleeping bag. Water is available but treat it. This is a refuge for committed mountaineers, not a comfortable overnight option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead during summer season; contact CAI Cuneo or check rifugi.net, though as a 9-bed bivouac it fills quickly for weekends.
Open June through September; it's unstaffed, so you're self-reliant—bring a headlamp, stove, and food.
Hike from Rifugio Fonte Gelata (1,993m) via Pian della Scala: 2.5 hours, 600m elevation gain on steep marked trail through alpine meadows and rocky terrain.
9 beds in two dormitories, no food service—bring all meals, fuel, and water; there's a water source nearby but verify before you go.
No—this is for mountaineers with Alpine experience; the 2.5-hour steep approach, altitude (2,599m), and self-service setup require fitness, acclimatization, and self-sufficiency.
Location
46.3666, 8.3426
HutLists Score
1.2
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Total
- 9
Contact & Booking
- Website
- http://www.seocaidomo.it/rifugi-e-sede/bivacco-conti/
Activities
Featured In
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