Refuge de Charlet
1.7
Piedmont, Italy
About
Refuge de Charlet sits at 2,207m on the slopes of Punta Balma, in the Gran Paradiso valley southeast of Aosta. Reach it from the village of Ceresole Reale (1,598m) via the Valle dell'Orco. The trail climbs steadily through larch forest for 3.5 hours, gaining 610m. A rougher 2.5-hour option ascends from Lillaz to the north, useful as a descent route. The hut serves as a transit point for Gran Paradiso traverses and as a base for day walks to Punta Balma (2,743m) and surrounding peaks.
The refuge holds 40 beds across simple shared rooms. The kitchen serves dinner and breakfast, with packed lunches available. Water comes from spring-fed sources. There is no shower. The hut stays open June to September, with hours extended on weekends in shoulder months. The custodian usually operates on a staffing schedule—confirm opening dates before planning your arrival.
Book directly with the hut by phone or email. July and August weekends fill 6–8 weeks ahead. June and September are quieter. The hut has no online booking system, so call ahead even outside peak season to guarantee a bed and pre-order meals. Expect basic Alpine hospitality and reliable Italian cooking.
The refuge holds 40 beds across simple shared rooms. The kitchen serves dinner and breakfast, with packed lunches available. Water comes from spring-fed sources. There is no shower. The hut stays open June to September, with hours extended on weekends in shoulder months. The custodian usually operates on a staffing schedule—confirm opening dates before planning your arrival.
Book directly with the hut by phone or email. July and August weekends fill 6–8 weeks ahead. June and September are quieter. The hut has no online booking system, so call ahead even outside peak season to guarantee a bed and pre-order meals. Expect basic Alpine hospitality and reliable Italian cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead during July-August, earlier if targeting weekends. Reserve through rifugio.net or contact the hut directly via CAI; phone ahead in shoulder season as staffing varies.
Open mid-June through late September; fully staffed July-August but weekends-only in June and September. Winter access is possible for experienced alpinists with proper gear, but facilities are unstaffed.
From Ceresole Reale village (1,598m), allow 3.5 hours uphill through larch forest gaining 610m to 2,207m; or use the tougher 2.5-hour route from Lillaz to the north for descent flexibility.
Standard mountain hut setup: dorm beds, basic washroom with cold water (shower access varies by season), and hearty evening meals plus packed lunches available—expect traditional Piedmont fare.
The 3.5-hour approach from Ceresole Reale is steady but non-technical, good for fit hill walkers; the Lillaz route is rougher and less suitable for families with small children.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website