La Vare
1.5
Piedmont, Italy
About
La Vare sits at 2,010m in the Cottian Alps, a short walk above the Val Varaita. Drive to Castello in the Varaita valley, then hike 1.5 hours up the marked path to the hut. The approach is steady and straightforward, gaining 500m through open meadows and larch forest. This is the easiest access in the range if you're looking to reach real elevation quickly from the car.
The hut sleeps around 60 guests across shared and smaller rooms. Half and full board available. The kitchen serves filling mountain food—risotto, polenta, local cheese—and the bar stocks decent wine from Piedmont. There's no shower but washrooms are clean and cold water runs. The hut opens year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions; ring ahead before December. Mobile signal is weak but reliable enough.
Book directly through the hut via phone or email. July and August fill fast; aim for 4–6 weeks ahead. June and September are quieter and the weather just as good. Winter weekends attract ski tourers, so book ahead for those too. The hut is family-friendly and popular with Italian weekend hikers, so expect a full dining room most Saturdays from June through September.
The hut sleeps around 60 guests across shared and smaller rooms. Half and full board available. The kitchen serves filling mountain food—risotto, polenta, local cheese—and the bar stocks decent wine from Piedmont. There's no shower but washrooms are clean and cold water runs. The hut opens year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions; ring ahead before December. Mobile signal is weak but reliable enough.
Book directly through the hut via phone or email. July and August fill fast; aim for 4–6 weeks ahead. June and September are quieter and the weather just as good. Winter weekends attract ski tourers, so book ahead for those too. The hut is family-friendly and popular with Italian weekend hikers, so expect a full dining room most Saturdays from June through September.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends, especially July-August; weekdays are more flexible. Contact the hut directly or use rifugio.net and cai.it for availability and reservations.
La Vare is open June through September; outside these months it's closed or staffed only on weekends. Confirm dates before planning a trip.
Drive to Castello in the Varaita valley, then hike 1.5 hours up the marked path, gaining 500m through meadows and larch forest—straightforward going on a well-maintained trail.
The hut sleeps around 60 in shared and smaller rooms, with half and full board available; expect hot meals, basic hot water, and shared bathroom facilities typical of Alpine rifugi.
Yes—the 1.5-hour approach with steady, manageable gradient through open terrain is ideal for families and hikers new to altitude, making it one of the easiest ways to reach real elevation quickly in the Cottian Alps.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 60
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website