Bivouac Vincenzo Pirazzi e Francesco Rossotti
1.1Bivacco Vincenzo Pirazzi e Francesco Rossotti
Piedmont, Italy
About
Bivacco Vincenzo Pirazzi e Francesco Rossotti sits at 2,805m on the northeast ridge of Monte Rosa, accessible from Macugnaga in the Ossola Valley. Reach it via the normal route from Rifugio Gnifetti (2,558m) in roughly 3–4 hours of scrambling and easy climbing. The bivouac is exposed and primarily a shelter for climbers pushing toward the Monte Rosa summit (4,634m) or traversing the high peaks between Macugnaga and the Swiss border. Winter conditions lock the ridge from November to May.
This is a basic shelter with sleeping space for 12–15 people on a first-come basis. There are no meals, water, or full facilities. Bring a stove, fuel, and all food. A thin mattress and blankets are provided. The bivouac offers an essential high-altitude break but demands self-sufficiency and previous mountain experience. Summer months (June–September) see occasional use by climbers on Monte Rosa circuits.
Book ahead through CAI Sezione di Macugnaga or check rifugi.net for real-time availability. July and August fill quickly. Arrive early in the day to secure a place. The bivouac relies on voluntary management and occasional CAI maintenance, so contact the Macugnaga section before planning a visit to confirm conditions and access.
This is a basic shelter with sleeping space for 12–15 people on a first-come basis. There are no meals, water, or full facilities. Bring a stove, fuel, and all food. A thin mattress and blankets are provided. The bivouac offers an essential high-altitude break but demands self-sufficiency and previous mountain experience. Summer months (June–September) see occasional use by climbers on Monte Rosa circuits.
Book ahead through CAI Sezione di Macugnaga or check rifugi.net for real-time availability. July and August fill quickly. Arrive early in the day to secure a place. The bivouac relies on voluntary management and occasional CAI maintenance, so contact the Macugnaga section before planning a visit to confirm conditions and access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bivaccos are unmanned emergency shelters—no booking needed or possible. Arrive early and secure a spot; capacity is limited and it fills during good weather on weekends.
The ridge is passable June through October; winter conditions lock it from November to May, making the bivouac inaccessible most of the year.
Start at Macugnaga, hike 3–4 hours from Rifugio Gnifetti (2,558m) via the normal Monte Rosa route, involving scrambling and easy climbing to reach 2,805m.
It's a basic bivouac shelter with no staffing, no meals, and no services—bring your own water, food, and sleeping gear; use Rifugio Gnifetti below for a proper meal and bed.
No—this is strictly for experienced mountaineers with scrambling skills and altitude acclimatization; the exposed ridge, high elevation, and lack of facilities make it unsuitable for beginners or families.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website