Cabane forestière du Bois-Durat
1.2
1,585m
Piedmont, Italy
About
This French-managed hut sits at 1585m in the Piedmont Alps near the French border. Reach it from the village of Ceresole Reale by following the Orco valley trail for roughly 2.5 hours. The approach is straightforward, gaining elevation steadily through mixed forest before breaking into alpine pasture.
The hut accommodates around 30 people in small dormitories and a few double rooms. Meals are served family-style at set times—expect simple, hearty food suited to the mountain environment. Water comes from a spring nearby. The hut operates year-round, though winter visits require advance notice. Facilities are basic: wood stove heating, oil lamps in some areas, and an outdoor toilet. This is functional shelter, not comfort accommodation.
Book directly with the hut keeper by phone or email well ahead, especially for weekends from June through September. July and August fill quickly—aim for at least 6 weeks' notice. Winter access depends on snow conditions and avalanche risk; contact the hut before attempting a winter visit. The hut manages its own reservations independently and does not use major Alpine hut booking platforms.
The hut accommodates around 30 people in small dormitories and a few double rooms. Meals are served family-style at set times—expect simple, hearty food suited to the mountain environment. Water comes from a spring nearby. The hut operates year-round, though winter visits require advance notice. Facilities are basic: wood stove heating, oil lamps in some areas, and an outdoor toilet. This is functional shelter, not comfort accommodation.
Book directly with the hut keeper by phone or email well ahead, especially for weekends from June through September. July and August fill quickly—aim for at least 6 weeks' notice. Winter access depends on snow conditions and avalanche risk; contact the hut before attempting a winter visit. The hut manages its own reservations independently and does not use major Alpine hut booking platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season (July-August); contact the hut directly by phone or email as it's French-managed and may not appear on rifugi.net or cai.it.
Typically open June through September, though verify current dates directly with the hut as French Alpine huts sometimes operate on different schedules than Italian rifugi.
Start from Ceresole Reale village and follow the Orco valley trail for roughly 2.5 hours with steady elevation gain through forest and alpine pasture—straightforward hiking, no technical sections.
Accommodates 30 people in small dorms and double rooms; serves family-style meals at set times with simple, hearty mountain food; water availability confirmed but shower facilities limited.
Yes for fit families and experienced hikers—the 2.5-hour approach is moderate but sustained, better suited to those with some Alpine hiking experience rather than casual walkers.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 30
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website