Le Richard
2.0
1,535m
Piedmont, Italy
About
Le Richard sits at 1535m in the Piedmont Alps, accessed via the Val d'Aosta region. Approach from the village of Cogne on foot—the standard route takes 3 hours and follows the Gran Paradiso valley. The hut also connects to longer ridge traverses linking the Graian peaks. Snow lingers on approaches until June, so plan accordingly.
This is a working mountain refuge with 50 beds split across dormitory and small private rooms. The kitchen serves hearty valley cuisine: pasta, polenta, and local cheese. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is standard. Water comes from mountain springs. The hut operates from June through September; July and August draw steady traffic from hikers doing multi-day loops around Gran Paradiso National Park. Basic facilities—no shower, composting toilet, gas heating in common areas.
Book direct by phone or email at least 4-6 weeks ahead if visiting July or August. The hut fills quickly during that window, especially weekends. June and September offer more flexibility. Arrive before 18:00 for dinner. The refuge sits on CAI trail 10; detailed topos are available through the Turin section of CAI.
This is a working mountain refuge with 50 beds split across dormitory and small private rooms. The kitchen serves hearty valley cuisine: pasta, polenta, and local cheese. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is standard. Water comes from mountain springs. The hut operates from June through September; July and August draw steady traffic from hikers doing multi-day loops around Gran Paradiso National Park. Basic facilities—no shower, composting toilet, gas heating in common areas.
Book direct by phone or email at least 4-6 weeks ahead if visiting July or August. The hut fills quickly during that window, especially weekends. June and September offer more flexibility. Arrive before 18:00 for dinner. The refuge sits on CAI trail 10; detailed topos are available through the Turin section of CAI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season (July-September); weekends fill faster. Contact the hut directly or use rifugio.net and CAI platforms for availability.
Open June through September; snow blocks approaches reliably until early June, so avoid earlier visits. Check with the hut for exact opening dates in shoulder months.
Start from Cogne village and allow 3 hours on the standard route via Gran Paradiso valley; the path is well-marked but snow lingers until June, requiring caution or ice axe depending on conditions.
50 beds in mixed dormitories and small private rooms; kitchen serves mountain staples (pasta, polenta, local cheese). Confirm if half-board or meal arrangements are required when booking.
Yes for fit hikers with Alpine experience—the 3-hour approach is moderate but exposed to weather and snow until June, so not ideal for young children or inexperienced mountain walkers.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 50
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website