Punto di Appoggio Alpe Helo
1.2
1,744m
Piedmont, Italy
About
Punto di Appoggio Alpe Helo sits at 1,744m in the Valsesia valley north of Varallo. You reach it via the village of Rima and the Alpe Helo plateau—allow 2–2.5 hours from Rima. The hut serves as a base for ridge walks across the Sesia Val Grande massif and approaches to peaks above 3,000m in the Monte Rosa group to the east.
The rifugio has 12 beds across simple shared rooms. Meals are provided (half-board or full-board). Water comes from springs; facilities are basic and functional. The hut typically opens June through September and may operate weekends in shoulder months—check ahead. Being a small Punto di Appoggio, it closes entirely in winter.
Book directly with CAI Sezione Varallo Sesia. Contact details and availability are listed on rifugi.net. July and August fill quickly; book 4–6 weeks ahead for summer weekends. June and September are quieter. Staff can advise on conditions for onward routes to higher camps or surrounding peaks.
The rifugio has 12 beds across simple shared rooms. Meals are provided (half-board or full-board). Water comes from springs; facilities are basic and functional. The hut typically opens June through September and may operate weekends in shoulder months—check ahead. Being a small Punto di Appoggio, it closes entirely in winter.
Book directly with CAI Sezione Varallo Sesia. Contact details and availability are listed on rifugi.net. July and August fill quickly; book 4–6 weeks ahead for summer weekends. June and September are quieter. Staff can advise on conditions for onward routes to higher camps or surrounding peaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–4 weeks ahead during peak season (July–September); weekends fill quickly. Contact via rifugio.net or check CAI mountain hut directories for direct contact details.
Open June through September; typically staffed only on weekends outside July–August. Confirm opening dates before planning, as high-altitude mountain huts close early if snow or weather deteriorates.
From Rima village, allow 2–2.5 hours on foot via the Alpe Helo plateau. Access is hiking-only; no vehicle road reaches it.
Half-board and full-board available; basic shared rooms with 12 beds total. Water from springs; toilets are functional but simple—no shower.
No—it's a working hut for mountaineers tackling 3,000m+ peaks and ridge traverses in the Monte Rosa group. The 2+ hour approach and minimal facilities suit experienced hikers only.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- 12
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website
- http://www.caivarallo.it/rifugi_cai_varallo/punto_appoggio_alpe_helo.php