Gîte d'alpage de Dorbon
1.8
Piedmont, Italy
About
Dorbon sits at 2,070m on the Piedmont side of the western Alps, above the Val d'Aosta. The hut marks a natural stopping point on multi-day routes crossing from the Rhône Valley into Italy. Reach it on foot from Prè-Saint-Didier in 4–5 hours, ascending steadily through alpine pasture and sparse larch. The terrain is straightforward and well-marked—no scrambling required.
This is a simple alpage refuge: 20 beds split across a handful of rooms, no frills. The guardian serves meals from late June through September, depending on snow cover. Drinking water comes from the mountain. Expect basic mountain hut standards—bring a sleeping bag, plan for cold nights even in summer, and don't rely on electricity or heating. The location works well as a waypoint for hikers linking longer routes or making a two-day loop from the valley.
Book directly by phone or email well ahead during July and August; many weeks fill by June. Outside peak season (June and September), availability is more flexible. Confirm access conditions before you go, as snow can linger into early July and early autumn storms close the hut quickly. The guardian will confirm bed space and meal availability when you call.
This is a simple alpage refuge: 20 beds split across a handful of rooms, no frills. The guardian serves meals from late June through September, depending on snow cover. Drinking water comes from the mountain. Expect basic mountain hut standards—bring a sleeping bag, plan for cold nights even in summer, and don't rely on electricity or heating. The location works well as a waypoint for hikers linking longer routes or making a two-day loop from the valley.
Book directly by phone or email well ahead during July and August; many weeks fill by June. Outside peak season (June and September), availability is more flexible. Confirm access conditions before you go, as snow can linger into early July and early autumn storms close the hut quickly. The guardian will confirm bed space and meal availability when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead during peak season (July–August), especially for weekends. Contact the guardian directly by phone or check rifugi.net for availability and reservations.
Open late June through September with a resident guardian; exact closing date depends on snow and weather. Outside this window it's unmanned and unreliable for overnight stays.
Start from Prè-Saint-Didier and hike 4–5 hours on well-marked terrain through pasture and larch forest with steady but manageable ascent; no scrambling.
The guardian provides meals (dinner and breakfast) from the kitchen; 20 beds in simple shared rooms, no en-suite showers—this is a basic alpage hut, not a luxury refuge.
Yes, the steady 4–5 hour approach and straightforward terrain suit fit hikers new to mountain huts, though families should be comfortable with rustic conditions and shared sleeping arrangements.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 20
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +41 78 761 52 47
- Website
- https://www.dorbon.ch/