Refuge de Plan Sec
1.3
Piedmont, Italy
About
Refuge de Plan Sec sits at 2,284m on the border between Piedmont and the Aosta Valley, serving hikers crossing the Gran Paradiso massif. Reach it from Ceresole Reale via the Lago Serru trail in 3 hours. The alternative approach from Valsavarenche (Aosta Valley side) takes 2.5 hours. Both routes follow well-marked paths with moderate elevation gain. Winter access is unreliable above 2,000m.
The refuge accommodates 30 people across basic dormitories. Half-board (bed, dinner, breakfast) costs €45–55 per person; packed lunches available on request. The kitchen serves hearty mountain fare—expect polenta, risotto, and stews. Hot showers and toilets are functional but spartan. No WiFi or electricity in rooms. The hut operates mid-June through September; May and October weekends only, depending on snow conditions.
Book direct by phone or email at least 2 weeks ahead. July and August weekends fill quickly; plan for 6–8 weeks in advance if you need guaranteed beds then. The refuge is unmanned in winter. Bring cash (no card payments accepted). This hut works well as a pass-through shelter for Gran Paradiso traverses or as a base for day walks to Lago Serru and the surrounding alpine terrain.
The refuge accommodates 30 people across basic dormitories. Half-board (bed, dinner, breakfast) costs €45–55 per person; packed lunches available on request. The kitchen serves hearty mountain fare—expect polenta, risotto, and stews. Hot showers and toilets are functional but spartan. No WiFi or electricity in rooms. The hut operates mid-June through September; May and October weekends only, depending on snow conditions.
Book direct by phone or email at least 2 weeks ahead. July and August weekends fill quickly; plan for 6–8 weeks in advance if you need guaranteed beds then. The refuge is unmanned in winter. Bring cash (no card payments accepted). This hut works well as a pass-through shelter for Gran Paradiso traverses or as a base for day walks to Lago Serru and the surrounding alpine terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead during July–August, especially weekends; shoulder seasons (June, September) need less notice. Contact via rifugio.net or directly by phone to confirm availability and your arrival time.
Open June through September, with July–August as peak season. Winter access above 2,000m is unreliable, so plan accordingly.
From Ceresole Reale (Piedmont side), take the Lago Serru trail for 3 hours; from Valsavarenche (Aosta Valley side), it's 2.5 hours. Both are well-marked with moderate elevation gain.
30 beds in basic dormitories; half-board (bed, dinner, breakfast) is €45. Expect standard Alpine hut amenities—no private rooms or en-suite bathrooms.
Yes for fit hikers with Alpine experience; the moderate 2.5–3 hour approaches are manageable for families with older children, but winter conditions make it a summer-only destination for most.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website