Bivouac Riale
1.1Bivacco Riale
Piedmont, Italy
About
Bivacco Riale sits at 2,587m in the Cottian Alps, accessed via the Val Riale in Piedmont. From Crissolo (1,569m), the approach takes 3–4 hours on a mix of trail and scramble. The bivouac lies well above the tree line on the southern flank of Monviso's massif, making it a staging point for ascents of Monviso (3,841m) and traverses of the surrounding peaks.
This is a basic mountain shelter with 12 beds in dormitory sleeping platforms. Bring your own sleeping bag and mat. There is no catering—stock food and water in the valley. A small wood stove provides warmth; expect cold nights even in summer. The bivouac opens June through September, depending on snow conditions. Check status before heading up, especially early and late season.
This is an unstaffed CAI shelter. There are no phones or internet. Respect the leave-no-trace ethic: pack out all rubbish and use toileting areas well away from water sources. In bad weather, shelter is minimal—plan accordingly and avoid single-day ascents of Monviso from here. Maintain the hut and report damage to the CAI section managing it locally.
This is a basic mountain shelter with 12 beds in dormitory sleeping platforms. Bring your own sleeping bag and mat. There is no catering—stock food and water in the valley. A small wood stove provides warmth; expect cold nights even in summer. The bivouac opens June through September, depending on snow conditions. Check status before heading up, especially early and late season.
This is an unstaffed CAI shelter. There are no phones or internet. Respect the leave-no-trace ethic: pack out all rubbish and use toileting areas well away from water sources. In bad weather, shelter is minimal—plan accordingly and avoid single-day ascents of Monviso from here. Maintain the hut and report damage to the CAI section managing it locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a bivacco (basic shelter), Bivacco Riale typically operates first-come, first-served with no advance booking system—just show up with your sleeping bag and mat. During peak season (July–August), arrive early or accept that you might need to camp outside if the 12 beds are full.
Bivacco Riale is open summer months only, roughly June to September, depending on snow conditions. It is unattended—you access it directly without a guardian or warden on site.
Start from Crissolo (1,569m) and follow Val Riale on trail and scrambling terrain; expect 3–4 hours to reach the bivacco at 2,587m. The route gains roughly 1,000m elevation and is non-technical but exposed in places.
The bivacco offers 12 basic dormitory beds on platforms—bring your own sleeping bag and mat. There is no catering, water, or heating; you must carry all food, fuel, and drinking water from the valley.
No—this is a climber's bivacco best suited to experienced mountaineers preparing for Monviso (3,841m) or peak traverses. The approach involves scrambling, exposure, and high altitude; families and beginners should use staffed rifugios lower in the valley instead.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 12
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- 12
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website