Cabane de Pierre Grosse
2.7
Piedmont, Italy
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About
Cabane de Pierre Grosse sits at 2,285m in the Cottian Alps, on the French-Italian border west of Cuneo. Access from the Italian side starts at Castello in the Valle Varaita. Hike 3.5–4 hours via Pian del Bosco and Colle di Valanta to reach the hut. The route climbs steadily through alpine pasture and sparse larch forest. Alternatively, approach from France via Abries in the Hautes-Alpes (5–6 hours from Lac Sainte-Anne). The hut works best as a base for traversing the high meadows and scrambles around Pic de la Cabanette (2,725m) and Pic de Roccia Nera.
The hut has 30 beds split across two buildings. Meals are simple: hearty dinner and breakfast are served. Dormitory rooms are basic but clean. Water comes from a spring nearby. The hut operates year-round but is minimally staffed in winter; confirm opening status before arriving November through March. It belongs to the French alpinism club, so advance booking is essential. Half-board only (dinner and breakfast together) is available.
Book directly by phone or email at least 4–6 weeks ahead, especially for July and August weekends. Contact details are listed on rifugionline.it. Expect crowds on July–August weekends. August 15 is packed. The hut is quiet in June and September, making those months ideal for unrushed visits. Cash payment only.
The hut has 30 beds split across two buildings. Meals are simple: hearty dinner and breakfast are served. Dormitory rooms are basic but clean. Water comes from a spring nearby. The hut operates year-round but is minimally staffed in winter; confirm opening status before arriving November through March. It belongs to the French alpinism club, so advance booking is essential. Half-board only (dinner and breakfast together) is available.
Book directly by phone or email at least 4–6 weeks ahead, especially for July and August weekends. Contact details are listed on rifugionline.it. Expect crowds on July–August weekends. August 15 is packed. The hut is quiet in June and September, making those months ideal for unrushed visits. Cash payment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead during July–August, especially weekends; shoulder season (June, September) is more flexible. Contact the hut directly or check rifugi.net for availability.
Typically open June through September, weather-dependent; peak staffing is July–August. Confirm current dates before planning, as Alpine conditions can close it early.
From Italy: start at Castello in Valle Varaita, hike 3.5–4 hours via Pian del Bosco and Colle di Valanta. From France: 5–6 hours from Lac Sainte-Anne near Abries.
Expect dormitory beds, basic meals (dinner and breakfast), and water from Alpine sources; shower facilities are minimal or absent—typical for high-altitude huts at 2,285m.
Better for experienced hikers; the 3.5–4 hour approach is steady but sustained, and the terrain around the hut involves scrambling. Not ideal for young children or those new to mountain hiking.
Location
44.0680, 6.7390
HutLists Score
2.7
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
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