Cascinetta
1.5
Piedmont, Italy
About
Cascinetta sits at 2,286m in the Ligurian Alps, on the border between Piedmont and Liguria. Reach it from the Val d'Aveto by hiking north from Passo Aveto (1,825m), a 3-hour ascent through open grassland and scattered larch. The hut also connects to the GTA (Grande Traversata delle Alpi) long-distance route, making it useful for multi-day traverses crossing the western Alps. Access is only on foot—no road reaches this elevation.
The hut has 40 beds split across dormitory rooms and a handful of doubles. Meals are hearty and based on what's available; half-board is standard. The kitchen will prepare packed lunches if you order ahead. Water comes from a reliable spring. There's a small common room with wood stove. The hut opens mid-June through September, though exact dates depend on snow melt and staffing. Winter climbing approaches exist via the summer trail, but the hut closes then.
Book directly by phone with the guardian. July and August fill quickly; aim to reserve 4–6 weeks ahead for those months. June and September have more availability but weather at this elevation is less stable. The hut is managed independently, not by CAI or SAT. Arrive in daylight—the final approach is unmarked in places. Bring a headtorch anyway; sun sets early at 2,286m in shoulder season.
The hut has 40 beds split across dormitory rooms and a handful of doubles. Meals are hearty and based on what's available; half-board is standard. The kitchen will prepare packed lunches if you order ahead. Water comes from a reliable spring. There's a small common room with wood stove. The hut opens mid-June through September, though exact dates depend on snow melt and staffing. Winter climbing approaches exist via the summer trail, but the hut closes then.
Book directly by phone with the guardian. July and August fill quickly; aim to reserve 4–6 weeks ahead for those months. June and September have more availability but weather at this elevation is less stable. The hut is managed independently, not by CAI or SAT. Arrive in daylight—the final approach is unmarked in places. Bring a headtorch anyway; sun sets early at 2,286m in shoulder season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends, especially July-August; weekdays are more flexible. Contact the hut directly or use rifugi.net—check cai.it for current contact details and availability.
Typically open June to September, with peak staffing July-August; shoulder months may have reduced service. Confirm opening dates before planning, as high Alpine huts depend on snow conditions.
Hike north from Passo Aveto (1,825m) through open grassland and larch forest—3 hours to the hut at 2,286m. No road access; it's foot-traffic only.
40 beds in dormitory rooms and a few private spaces; meals (dinner, breakfast, packed lunches) are served. Check directly about shower availability—many huts at this elevation have limited hot water.
The 3-hour approach from Passo Aveto is moderate and scenic, so reasonable for fit families; however, this is a working mountaineering hut on the GTA long-distance route, best suited to experienced hikers planning multi-day traverses rather than casual day trips.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website