Le Criou
1.8
Piedmont, Italy
About
Le Criou sits at 2,042m on the border between Piedmont and the Aosta Valley, accessible from the Orco Valley. The standard approach is from Ceresole Reale: take the road to Lago Serrù, then hike 3–4 hours northeast via the Pian della Balma route. The hut lies in open terrain below Gran Paradiso's western slopes, making it a logical stop for anyone tackling the massif from this side or traversing between the Orco and Graian valleys.
The rifugio holds around 40 beds in small rooms and dormitories. Meals are traditional valley fare—expect hearty pasta and local mountain food. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Water comes from a spring; the hut has basic but functional bathroom facilities. The season runs June through September, with July and August attracting steady foot traffic from Gran Paradiso circuits and valley-to-valley routes.
Book directly by email or phone at least 6–8 weeks ahead for July and August. Weekend slots in June and September fill quickly too. Specify your arrival date, number of people, and whether you need dinner, bed, and breakfast. Half-board (board-only) packages work well if you're moving fast between valleys. Check opening dates before your trip, as early season weather sometimes delays the opening week.
The rifugio holds around 40 beds in small rooms and dormitories. Meals are traditional valley fare—expect hearty pasta and local mountain food. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Water comes from a spring; the hut has basic but functional bathroom facilities. The season runs June through September, with July and August attracting steady foot traffic from Gran Paradiso circuits and valley-to-valley routes.
Book directly by email or phone at least 6–8 weeks ahead for July and August. Weekend slots in June and September fill quickly too. Specify your arrival date, number of people, and whether you need dinner, bed, and breakfast. Half-board (board-only) packages work well if you're moving fast between valleys. Check opening dates before your trip, as early season weather sometimes delays the opening week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–4 weeks ahead during July–August; call ahead directly since it's a smaller rifugio with 40 beds. Check rifugio.net or contact via phone for availability and reservations.
Typically open June–September; confirm exact dates before your trip since staffing depends on season and weather. Call ahead if visiting shoulder months.
From Ceresole Reale village, drive to Lago Serrù carpark, then hike 3–4 hours northeast via Pian della Balma to the hut at 2,042m. It's a straightforward but steady ascent on marked trail.
Expect basic mountain refuge food (dinner, breakfast, packed lunches available); beds in small rooms and dorm spaces. Showers are typically cold water or limited—standard for high Alpine huts.
The 3–4 hour hike from Lago Serrù suits fit families and experienced day-hikers; it's not technical but gains 600m+. Start early, bring water, and ensure children are comfortable with sustained uphill walking at altitude.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 40
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 7 88 87 22 88
- Website