Refuge de l'Arpont
1.7
2,309m
Piedmont, Italy
About
Refuge de l'Arpont sits at 2309m in Piedmont's southern Alps, on the watershed between the Pellice and Chisone valleys. You reach it from the hamlet of Bobbio Pellice (1300m). The standard approach takes 3.5–4 hours via the Pian della Balma trail, climbing through mixed forest before opening onto alpine meadows. In winter, access requires snowshoes or skis depending on conditions. The refuge functions as a basecamp for traversing the Monviso massif or day-hiking the surrounding ridges.
The hut has 30 beds across simple shared rooms. Hot showers are available. The kitchen serves three meals daily: breakfast, lunch, and evening dinner with local Piedmont fare—focus on soups, polenta, and mountain cheese. Water comes from the spring nearby. The refuge operates year-round, though staffing is limited November to March; confirm availability before winter visits. Cell reception is unreliable; bring a paper map and compass.
Book directly by email. Aim to reserve 4–6 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. June, September, and early October are quieter but still reliably staffed. Specify your arrival date, number of people, meals required, and any dietary needs. Payment is cash on arrival or bank transfer in advance. The hut is unmanned for stretches in April–May and October–November—email confirmation is essential for these shoulder months.
The hut has 30 beds across simple shared rooms. Hot showers are available. The kitchen serves three meals daily: breakfast, lunch, and evening dinner with local Piedmont fare—focus on soups, polenta, and mountain cheese. Water comes from the spring nearby. The refuge operates year-round, though staffing is limited November to March; confirm availability before winter visits. Cell reception is unreliable; bring a paper map and compass.
Book directly by email. Aim to reserve 4–6 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. June, September, and early October are quieter but still reliably staffed. Specify your arrival date, number of people, meals required, and any dietary needs. Payment is cash on arrival or bank transfer in advance. The hut is unmanned for stretches in April–May and October–November—email confirmation is essential for these shoulder months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead during July–August, earlier for weekends; contact the refuge directly by phone or check rifugio.net and cai.it for availability and reservations.
Open June through September with full staff; winter access (December–March) is possible but staff presence varies, so confirm ahead if visiting outside summer.
Start from Bobbio Pellice (1300m) and follow the Pian della Balma trail for 3.5–4 hours of steady climbing through forest then alpine meadows; in winter, add snowshoes or skis depending on snow depth.
Expect basic dormitory beds, a dining room with hearty mountain meals (half-board and full-board available), and a water tap; shower facilities are limited, so plan accordingly.
Suitable for fit hikers with solid walking experience—the 4-hour approach and 1000m elevation gain rule out casual walkers—but it's ideal for experienced families tackling day hikes or Monviso traverses from a secure basecamp.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- Website
- https://refuge-arpont.vanoise.com/