Refuge de Péclet-Polset

Refuge de Péclet-Polset sits at 2,479m in the Monviso massif, on the border between Piedmont and Provence. Reach it from Crissolo village (30km south of Saluzzo) via the Pian del Re track. The standard approach takes 2.5 to 3 hours of steady climbing through alpine meadows and scree. The refuge works as a base for traverses toward Col de la Traversette (2,611m) and access to Monviso's upper slopes. In winter, the access road closes and approaches become serious mountaineering.

The refuge holds 84 beds across multiple dormitories. Meals are standard Italian rifugio fare—hearty pasta, polenta, and alpine cheese. The kitchen produces good coffee and packed lunches for early starts. Showers are available. The hut operates year-round, though winter access demands technical experience and avalanche awareness. Mobile signal is unreliable; bring paper maps. The refuge sits exposed to weather, so expect wind and rapid temperature swings at this altitude.

Book by phone directly with the refuge. Weekends and July–August fill weeks ahead. June and September offer better availability and more stable weather. The hut enforces a two-night minimum during peak season. Arrive before 16:00 to guarantee hot meals. Request packed lunches when you book if you plan early starts. The refuge does not accept online bookings through major platforms—call ahead.