Cabanes du Talon
1.3
Piedmont, Italy
About
Cabanes du Talon sits at 2,050m on the border between Piedmont and the Aosta Valley. Reach it from Champorcher village (1,570m) via the Grauson valley—a steady 3-hour hike that gains 480m through open meadows and larch forest. The final approach crosses rocky terrain with good footing. Most parties use it as a base for climbing Punta Bianca or traversing toward the Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme.
The refuge runs as two simple stone cabins offering basic shelter. The main hut has a small common room with wood stove and sleeping space for around 20 people on mattresses in a large dormitory. There's a cooking area where you prepare your own meals—bring food from the valley. Water comes from a spring. The hut is staffed intermittently June through September. Outside these months it operates as an unstaffed bivouac with basic blankets and mats provided.
The hut fills quickly in July and August for weekend climbing trips. Book ahead directly through the Champorcher commune or the Aosta Valley hiking association (AVS). Winter access requires mountaineering skills and rope work—the approach becomes a snow and ice route. The site suits parties comfortable with minimal facilities and self-catering.
The refuge runs as two simple stone cabins offering basic shelter. The main hut has a small common room with wood stove and sleeping space for around 20 people on mattresses in a large dormitory. There's a cooking area where you prepare your own meals—bring food from the valley. Water comes from a spring. The hut is staffed intermittently June through September. Outside these months it operates as an unstaffed bivouac with basic blankets and mats provided.
The hut fills quickly in July and August for weekend climbing trips. Book ahead directly through the Champorcher commune or the Aosta Valley hiking association (AVS). Winter access requires mountaineering skills and rope work—the approach becomes a snow and ice route. The site suits parties comfortable with minimal facilities and self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead during peak season (July–August), especially for weekends. Contact the hut directly or check rifugio.net and CAI listings for availability and current contact details.
Open roughly June through September, depending on snow conditions. It's a simple staffed hut; confirm opening dates before you go, as spring snow can delay access.
Start from Champorcher village (1,570m) and hike 3 hours up the Grauson valley, gaining 480m through meadows and larch forest before rocky terrain. The trail is straightforward and well-marked.
Two simple stone cabins with basic shelter, a small common room, and simple meals available. Bring a sleeping bag; amenities are minimal, so expect a rustic experience.
Better suited to experienced hikers planning mountaineering or multi-day traverses. The 3-hour approach is manageable for fit families, but the basic facilities and remote location suit those comfortable with Alpine hut culture.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website