Cabane de la Rèche
1.4
2,377m
Piedmont, Italy
About
Cabane de la Rèche sits at 2,377m in the Cottian Alps on the French-Italian border, accessible from the Piedmont side via the Val Maira. The standard approach takes 4–5 hours from Prazzo (1,620m), following a mule track through alpine meadows that steepens in the final section. The hut also serves mountaineers climbing peaks in the surrounding massif, including access to Col de la Rèche and approaches to higher passes.
The hut operates year-round and offers dormitory beds with blankets provided. Meals are prepared on-site and reservations include half-board (dinner and breakfast). Water comes from a natural spring. Facilities are basic—expect cold-water washbasins and composting toilets typical of this elevation. The hut fills quickly during summer months (July–August) and shoulder seasons (June, September) when hiking and mountaineering traffic peaks.
Book at least 6–8 weeks ahead for July and August. Contact the hut directly by phone or email to secure beds. The CAI maintains the route to the hut, and information is available through CAI offices in Cuneo province. Winter access is variable; confirm conditions and availability before attempting a winter visit.
The hut operates year-round and offers dormitory beds with blankets provided. Meals are prepared on-site and reservations include half-board (dinner and breakfast). Water comes from a natural spring. Facilities are basic—expect cold-water washbasins and composting toilets typical of this elevation. The hut fills quickly during summer months (July–August) and shoulder seasons (June, September) when hiking and mountaineering traffic peaks.
Book at least 6–8 weeks ahead for July and August. Contact the hut directly by phone or email to secure beds. The CAI maintains the route to the hut, and information is available through CAI offices in Cuneo province. Winter access is variable; confirm conditions and availability before attempting a winter visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–4 weeks ahead during peak season (July–September), especially weekends; contact the hut directly via rifugi.net or CAI affiliated networks, or call ahead as this is a smaller operation on the border.
Open year-round, though staffing is seasonal; expect full service June–September, with limited services or seasonal closure in winter—confirm current status before winter visits.
From Prazzo (1,620m) via the Val Maira, follow the mule track through alpine meadows for 4–5 hours; the final section steepens significantly.
Dormitory beds with blankets provided; expect basic Alpine hut meals (typically half-board with dinner and breakfast), but confirm menu and pricing in advance given its remote location.
The 4–5 hour approach and 2,377m elevation suit fit hikers and mountaineers rather than families with young children; it's ideal for acclimatization before higher Alpine climbing.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website