Cabane Pastorale de l'Encombrette
1.2
2,315m
Piedmont, Italy
About
The Cabane Pastorale de l'Encombrette sits at 2,315m in the Cottian Alps of Piedmont, on the Italian-French border. Reach it from the Vallone della Rho valley via a marked trail that takes 4–5 hours from the roadhead at Pont Superiore. The hut is also accessible from the French side via Col de l'Encombrette. Most parties approach from the Italian valley; the terrain is steep in places but non-technical.
This is a very small refuge with just 2 beds, operating as a pastoral shelter rather than a staffed mountain hut. There are no meals, hot water, or heating provided. The hut offers basic shelter with a wood stove you can use if you bring firewood from lower elevations. Bring your own food, water containers, and a sleeping bag. The location is excellent for access to nearby peaks and as a waypoint on multi-day ridge traverses in the Cottian Alps.
Register your stay with the Rifugio Vallanta (the managing hut for this sector) or with CAI Saluzzo before heading up. The hut is open summer only, typically June through September, weather permitting. Capacity is so limited that you should plan for self-sufficiency rather than relying on any services.
This is a very small refuge with just 2 beds, operating as a pastoral shelter rather than a staffed mountain hut. There are no meals, hot water, or heating provided. The hut offers basic shelter with a wood stove you can use if you bring firewood from lower elevations. Bring your own food, water containers, and a sleeping bag. The location is excellent for access to nearby peaks and as a waypoint on multi-day ridge traverses in the Cottian Alps.
Register your stay with the Rifugio Vallanta (the managing hut for this sector) or with CAI Saluzzo before heading up. The hut is open summer only, typically June through September, weather permitting. Capacity is so limited that you should plan for self-sufficiency rather than relying on any services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead during summer; this tiny 2-bed refuge fills quickly. Contact via rifugio.net or the local CAI section for the Vallone della Rho.
Typically open June through September; confirm opening dates with CAI before planning, as pastoral shelters sometimes have variable staffing.
From the roadhead at Pont Superiore in Vallone della Rho, allow 4–5 hours via the marked trail; the route is steep in sections but non-technical. Accessible from the French side via Col de l'Encombrette if you prefer that approach.
With only 2 beds, this is a basic pastoral shelter—expect minimal facilities. Bring your own food, sleeping bag, and plan for cold water or none; no hot meals or showers.
No; the 4–5 hour steep approach and austere 2-bed shelter suit experienced mountaineers doing alpine routes, not beginners or families.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 2
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website