Bivouac Piero Vacca

Bivacco Piero Vacca sits at 2,670m on the Monviso massif in Piedmont, on the French border. Reach it from the Pian del Re hut (2,195m) in roughly 2.5 hours of steep scrambling on marked terrain. The final approach is exposed but straightforward. Most climbers use it as a launch point for Monviso's summit (3,841m), which takes 3–4 hours from the bivouac.

This is a basic mountain shelter, not a staffed rifugio. It sleeps 15 in two dormitory rooms with mattresses but no blankets—bring your own sleeping bag and mat. There is no water source at the bivouac; melt snow or carry enough from Pian del Re. No meals are served. The shelter opens year-round but is reliably accessible only from June to September. Winter ascents require mountaineering experience and avalanche awareness. The structure is maintained by local CAI volunteers.

The bivouac is unmanned and free to use. Arrive with all food, fuel, and water you need. Register your group with the Pian del Re rifugio before ascending so they know you're in the mountains. Peak season is July and August—expect crowded conditions. Monviso's exposed summit ridge demands scrambling ability and comfort with exposure. Do not attempt the approach in poor visibility or unstable snow.