Le Chastellard
1.5
Piedmont, Italy
About
Le Chastellard sits at 2,612m in the Cottian Alps on the French border, accessed from the Vallone della Maggiore. From Salbertrand in the Val di Susa, walk 5–6 hours via Pian dell'Alpe to reach the hut. The route gains 1,300m steadily through alpine meadows and rocky terrain. This is a working base for climbers targeting Mont Viso (3,841m) and peaks along the watershed, and a rest point on longer ridge traverses through the massif.
The rifugio is small and austere—expect 30 beds in simple dorms and a few doubles. Meals are hearty and filling, though dining space is tight. Water comes from a mountain spring. The hut operates June to September; snow blocks access before June and returns by early October. No shower. Electricity is minimal; bring a headlamp. The setting is remote and open to afternoon weather systems rolling up from the south—conditions change fast here.
Book directly with the guardians (contact via CAI Torino or the rifugio's phone line). July and August fill by late May, especially weekends. June and September offer far better availability. The nearest CAI section is Torino; they keep current contact details and can advise on conditions. This hut suits climbers with mountain experience. Day-hikers should be comfortable with exposure and basic scrambling.
The rifugio is small and austere—expect 30 beds in simple dorms and a few doubles. Meals are hearty and filling, though dining space is tight. Water comes from a mountain spring. The hut operates June to September; snow blocks access before June and returns by early October. No shower. Electricity is minimal; bring a headlamp. The setting is remote and open to afternoon weather systems rolling up from the south—conditions change fast here.
Book directly with the guardians (contact via CAI Torino or the rifugio's phone line). July and August fill by late May, especially weekends. June and September offer far better availability. The nearest CAI section is Torino; they keep current contact details and can advise on conditions. This hut suits climbers with mountain experience. Day-hikers should be comfortable with exposure and basic scrambling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead during July–August, earlier if you're planning a Mont Viso ascent or weekend visit. Contact the hut directly or use rifugio.net; it's a small 30-bed operation and fills quickly in peak season.
Open June through September, with July–August as fully staffed peak season. May and early June have limited staffing; confirm availability before arriving.
Start from Salbertrand in Val di Susa, walk via Pian dell'Alpe; the route is 5–6 hours with 1,300m elevation gain over steady alpine meadow and rocky terrain. No cable car or road access—this is a true mountain hut approach.
Simple dorms with 30 beds total, basic mountain refuge setup. Evening meals and breakfast are provided; water is available but showers are minimal or absent—this is an austere working hut, not a hotel.
No—the 5–6 hour approach at 2,612m with 1,300m gain suits fit hikers and mountaineers only. It's a base for Mont Viso climbers and ridge traverses, not a beginner destination.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website