Refuge de la Madone de Fenestre
2.0
1,903m
Piedmont, Italy
About
The Rifugio Madone di Fenestre sits at 1903m in the Alpi Marittime, on the border between Piedmont and France. Reach it from the Vallone della Madone valley near Vinadio, a 2.5-hour hike gaining 700m steadily through larch forest. This is the main approach from Italy; the hut also connects to trails leading into the Mercantour massif and south toward the higher peaks of the maritime Alps.
The hut holds 62 beds across multiple rooms. Half-board is the standard arrangement: a simple dinner and breakfast are included with your bed. The kitchen serves regional mountain food without pretension. Water comes from the valley stream. The hut runs from June through September, closing during heavy snow. Shower facilities are basic. Mobile signal is unreliable. The hut is managed by CAI Cuneo.
Book directly by phone well ahead for July and August; the hut fills regularly during summer. Weekends are busier than weekdays. June and September offer quieter climbing and hiking with fewer crowds. Arrive early in the day if you're not pre-booked; staff can sometimes accommodate walk-ins, especially outside peak season. The hut provides solid shelter and meals for a multi-day traverse of the Marittime Alps or as a base for day climbs in the area.
The hut holds 62 beds across multiple rooms. Half-board is the standard arrangement: a simple dinner and breakfast are included with your bed. The kitchen serves regional mountain food without pretension. Water comes from the valley stream. The hut runs from June through September, closing during heavy snow. Shower facilities are basic. Mobile signal is unreliable. The hut is managed by CAI Cuneo.
Book directly by phone well ahead for July and August; the hut fills regularly during summer. Weekends are busier than weekdays. June and September offer quieter climbing and hiking with fewer crowds. Arrive early in the day if you're not pre-booked; staff can sometimes accommodate walk-ins, especially outside peak season. The hut provides solid shelter and meals for a multi-day traverse of the Marittime Alps or as a base for day climbs in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends and July-August; weekdays are more flexible. Call the hut directly using the phone contact listed, or check rifugio.net and cai.it for availability and online booking options.
Most Piedmont rifugi in this range are open late June through September, with some extending into October for good weather. Contact the hut directly to confirm current season dates.
Approach from Vinadio via the Vallone della Madone valley: 2.5 hours gaining 700m through larch forest on a steady trail. The hut also connects south to higher maritime Alps peaks and north into the Mercantour.
Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is standard; the hut has 62 beds in multiple rooms. Showers and basic bathroom facilities are available—ask about hot water schedules when you book.
Yes—the 2.5-hour approach is steady but not steep, making it accessible for fit families and hiking beginners. It's better for hiking than technical climbing, and the Vallone della Madone route is well-established.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- 62
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +33 6 09 17 89 58
- Website
- http://chaletmadonedefenestre.ffcam.fr/