Demanding
About
Bivacco Stefania Locatelli sits at 1981m in the Formazza Valley, a remote corner of Piedmont near the Swiss border. Reach it from Premia village by hiking 3–4 hours up the Val Sabbione trail, gaining 900m steadily through forest and alpine pasture. The final approach crosses rough terrain to the hut's exposed location on the ridge system above the valley. Summer access is straightforward; winter requires experience with snow and scrambling.
This is a basic bivouac, not a staffed rifugio. It offers shelter for 8–10 people in a small stone structure with no heating, running water, or meals. Bring a sleeping bag, pad, and all food. There's a roof, walls, and a door—enough to survive bad weather. The hut opens year-round but is most useful June to September. In winter, snowfall can block access for weeks.
Book through CAI Formazza or check conditions directly before going. The hut is remote and sees few visitors; expect solitude. Bring a headtorch, stove, and fuel. Stock water from the stream nearby. Register with local CAI before departure if tackling winter ascents to nearby peaks like Monte Leone (3105m) or Gran Rosso (3594m). The valley has limited mobile signal; plan accordingly.
This is a basic bivouac, not a staffed rifugio. It offers shelter for 8–10 people in a small stone structure with no heating, running water, or meals. Bring a sleeping bag, pad, and all food. There's a roof, walls, and a door—enough to survive bad weather. The hut opens year-round but is most useful June to September. In winter, snowfall can block access for weeks.
Book through CAI Formazza or check conditions directly before going. The hut is remote and sees few visitors; expect solitude. Bring a headtorch, stove, and fuel. Stock water from the stream nearby. Register with local CAI before departure if tackling winter ascents to nearby peaks like Monte Leone (3105m) or Gran Rosso (3594m). The valley has limited mobile signal; plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is an unstaffed bivouac, so there's no booking required—it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Carry a sleeping bag and be prepared to share tight quarters if others arrive.
Summer months (June–September) offer reliable access; winter ascents are possible but require mountaineering experience and proper snow gear due to exposure and avalanche risk.
Start in Premia village and follow the Val Sabbione trail for 3–4 hours, climbing 900m through forest and pasture, then scramble over rough terrain to reach the ridge-top hut at 1981m.
As an unstaffed bivouac, expect a bare shelter with a roof and walls—no meals, no running water, no bedding, no showers. Bring all food, water, and a sleeping bag.
No—this is for experienced hikers and mountaineers only. The final approach involves scrambling on exposed terrain, and you need full self-sufficiency (navigation, weather judgment, emergency skills).
Location
46.3138, 8.4303
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1.2
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Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI Comune di Premia e CAI Formazza
Activities
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