Refuge de la Cantonnière
2.0
1,850m
Piedmont, Italy
About
Refuge de la Cantonnière sits at 1,850m in the Piedmont Alps, reached via the Valle Maira from Dronero. The approach takes 3.5 hours on foot through mixed woodland and open pasture. Mountain bikes can shorten access on the valley track. The hut works as a base for ridge walks across the surrounding ridges and day hikes into the Maira watershed.
The refuge holds 36 beds split across several rooms with basic but functional dormitory accommodation. The kitchen serves hot meals at dinner and packed lunches for onward walking. There is running water, a basic shower, and heating in cooler months. The hut typically opens May through September, with weekends-only opening in shoulder seasons. Cell signal is weak but present near the building.
Book directly by email or phone. July and August weekends fill 4–6 weeks ahead. June and September offer better availability. Staff speak French, Italian, and basic English. The hut does not hold online reservations through platforms, so contact them at least 2 weeks before arrival to confirm space and to arrange arrival time.
The refuge holds 36 beds split across several rooms with basic but functional dormitory accommodation. The kitchen serves hot meals at dinner and packed lunches for onward walking. There is running water, a basic shower, and heating in cooler months. The hut typically opens May through September, with weekends-only opening in shoulder seasons. Cell signal is weak but present near the building.
Book directly by email or phone. July and August weekends fill 4–6 weeks ahead. June and September offer better availability. Staff speak French, Italian, and basic English. The hut does not hold online reservations through platforms, so contact them at least 2 weeks before arrival to confirm space and to arrange arrival time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends and summer months; weekdays are more flexible. Call the hut directly or check rifugi.net for availability.
Most Piedmont rifugi at this elevation operate June through September reliably, with shoulder months depending on snow; confirm current dates by phone before planning.
Start from Dronero in Valle Maira and hike 3.5 hours through woodland and pasture to reach 1,850m; mountain bikes can cut the approach time on the valley track.
36 beds in basic dormitory rooms, hot dinner service, and packed lunches available; shower facilities are typically basic—confirm specifics when booking.
Yes—the 3.5-hour approach is moderate, and the hut works well as a base for ridge walks and day hikes of varying difficulty in the Maira watershed.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 36
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 4 93 05 51 36
- Website
- https://lacantonniere.wixsite.com/refugelacantonniere