Refuge de la Leisse
1.8
2,487m
Piedmont, Italy
About
Refuge de la Leisse sits at 2487m on the border between Piedmont and the Vallée d'Aoste, above the Leisse valley. Reach it from Ceresole Reale (1580m) in 4–5 hours via a well-marked path that climbs steadily through alpine meadows and rocky terrain. The approach is direct and heavily trafficked—expect company, especially weekends.
The refuge holds around 80 beds in shared dorms. Evening meals are substantial and meat-heavy; request vegetarian options when booking. Showers are available, a rarity at this elevation. The refuge manages its own water supply and stays open mid-June through September, though snow can linger into July in high-melt years. It operates as a base for hikers tackling the Gran Paradiso massif and for traversing toward Orco Valley huts.
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August. Contact the refuge directly by phone or email; neither rifugi.net nor CAI handles bookings for this hut. Weekday arrivals are far less crowded than Saturday and Sunday. Half-board is standard (dinner plus breakfast). Confirm water access and weather conditions with the guardian before ascending in early summer.
The refuge holds around 80 beds in shared dorms. Evening meals are substantial and meat-heavy; request vegetarian options when booking. Showers are available, a rarity at this elevation. The refuge manages its own water supply and stays open mid-June through September, though snow can linger into July in high-melt years. It operates as a base for hikers tackling the Gran Paradiso massif and for traversing toward Orco Valley huts.
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August. Contact the refuge directly by phone or email; neither rifugi.net nor CAI handles bookings for this hut. Weekday arrivals are far less crowded than Saturday and Sunday. Half-board is standard (dinner plus breakfast). Confirm water access and weather conditions with the guardian before ascending in early summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends, especially July–August; weekday slots often available with shorter notice. Call the refuge directly or check rifugi.net for availability.
Typically open June through September, weather-dependent; confirm exact dates by calling ahead, as spring and autumn closures vary.
Start from Ceresole Reale (1580m) and follow the well-marked path for 4–5 hours; the route climbs steadily through alpine meadows and rocky terrain with no technical difficulty.
Substantial evening meals with meat-heavy options; request vegetarian alternatives when booking. Showers are available—a rarity at this elevation.
Yes, the hiking approach is straightforward with no scrambling, though 4–5 hours and 900m elevation gain suit those with basic fitness. The heavily trafficked route means you won't be alone.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 80
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Showers
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +339 72 40 03 23
- Website
- https://refuge-leisse.vanoise.com/