Cabane d'Essertze
1.3
Piedmont, Italy
About
Cabane d'Essertze sits at 2,196m in the Cottian Alps above the Vallone di Roburent in Piedmont. Reach it from Rittana in the lower Gesso valley. The approach takes 3–4 hours on well-marked paths through alpine meadows and larch forest. Most hikers start early from the carpark near Rittana and gain 1,000m elevation steadily. The hut anchors walks into the surrounding peaks and serves as a base for traverses toward the Ligurian border ridges.
The hut holds 25 beds split across shared rooms. Meals are available on request—book your dinner when you reserve beds. Water comes from a spring; the hut has basic heating and generator power. Open year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions and requires mountain experience. Check current status before attempting December to March visits. The hut operates on a self-catering model: bring supplies or arrange meals in advance.
Book directly by phone or email as far ahead as possible. July and August fill weeks in advance. Shoulder seasons (May–June, September) have better availability and more reliable weather. The hut does not use online platforms; contact them directly with your dates, group size, and meal requirements. Expect to pay cash on arrival or arrange a bank transfer beforehand. For regional hiking information, consult CAI Cuneo guides or rifugio reports on local hiking forums.
The hut holds 25 beds split across shared rooms. Meals are available on request—book your dinner when you reserve beds. Water comes from a spring; the hut has basic heating and generator power. Open year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions and requires mountain experience. Check current status before attempting December to March visits. The hut operates on a self-catering model: bring supplies or arrange meals in advance.
Book directly by phone or email as far ahead as possible. July and August fill weeks in advance. Shoulder seasons (May–June, September) have better availability and more reliable weather. The hut does not use online platforms; contact them directly with your dates, group size, and meal requirements. Expect to pay cash on arrival or arrange a bank transfer beforehand. For regional hiking information, consult CAI Cuneo guides or rifugio reports on local hiking forums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–4 weeks ahead for weekends and summer; weekdays are usually more flexible. Call the hut directly or check rifugi.net for availability and to secure beds in the shared rooms.
It's typically open June through September, with the hut staffed daily during peak season. Check current dates before planning, as Alpine weather can affect access in shoulder months.
Start from the carpark near Rittana in the lower Gesso valley; the approach is 3–4 hours on well-marked paths, gaining 1,000m elevation through alpine meadows and larch forest to 2,196m.
The hut has 25 beds in shared rooms and serves meals (half-board typically included with overnight stays). Expect basic Alpine hut facilities; bring toilet paper and ask about shower availability when booking.
Yes, if you're fit for a solid 3–4 hour climb with 1,000m gain; the path is well-marked and not technical. It's a good base hut for hikers who want accessible ridge walks and peak traverses in the Cottian Alps.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 25
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +41 79 862 67 33
- Website
- https://essertze.ch/