Cabane du Vallonet
1.3
Piedmont, Italy
About
Cabane du Vallonet sits at 2,457m on the border between Piedmont and France, in the Cottian Alps. Reach it from Chianale in the Val Varaita via the Passo Vallanta trail—allow 4 hours from the village. The hut serves as a base for climbing Gran Grivola (3,196m) and traversing toward Monte Viso's approaches. Scrambling and technical terrain dominate the area; winter access requires mountaineering skills.
The hut holds 40 places in tight quarters. It runs a simple kitchen with evening pasta and breakfast. Water comes from snowmelt; the toilet is outside. Open from June through September, it closes in poor weather. Standards are basic—bring warm layers and expect early nights.
Book directly through the hut or contact CAI Turin, which manages the facility. July and August need advance reservation; plan 2-3 weeks ahead. The hut fills quickly on weekends. Winter ascents are possible for mountaineers with guides. Supplies from Chianale are essential; the hut carries minimal stocks. Solo hikers find strong community here; groups of climbers dominate summer traffic.
The hut holds 40 places in tight quarters. It runs a simple kitchen with evening pasta and breakfast. Water comes from snowmelt; the toilet is outside. Open from June through September, it closes in poor weather. Standards are basic—bring warm layers and expect early nights.
Book directly through the hut or contact CAI Turin, which manages the facility. July and August need advance reservation; plan 2-3 weeks ahead. The hut fills quickly on weekends. Winter ascents are possible for mountaineers with guides. Supplies from Chianale are essential; the hut carries minimal stocks. Solo hikers find strong community here; groups of climbers dominate summer traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for summer weekends, earlier if you're climbing Gran Grivola. Contact the hut directly or through rifugi.net; it's a CAI/SAT affiliated hut in the Cottian Alps.
Open June through September for regular mountaineering traffic; winter access requires mountaineering experience and advance arrangement with the guardian.
Start from Chianale in Val Varaita and follow the Passo Vallanta trail to the hut at 2,457m—allow 4 hours. Scrambling terrain and exposure increase as you gain altitude.
40 beds in shared dormitories, basic but adequate. Evening meal is typically pasta; breakfast and packed lunches available. Water and heating provided; no showers.
Not for beginners or young children—the approach involves scrambling and exposure, and the hut serves mountaineers climbing Gran Grivola (3,196m) and Monte Viso approaches. Better suited to experienced scramblers and climbers.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website