Refuge de Sestrière
2.1
Piedmont, Italy
About
Rifugio Sestrière sits at 2,035m on the border between Piedmont and Liguria, directly above the ski resort of Sestrière. Approach it from Sestrière village (1,970m) in 20 minutes on foot, or tackle the longer route from Colle delle Finestre (2,178m) in 90 minutes if you're coming from the west. The hut sits on the main ridge connecting Monte Fraiteve to Monte Sises, making it a natural stop on multi-day traverses across the southern Cottian Alps.
The rifugio offers 50 beds split across several rooms. Meals are substantial—expect hearty mountain cooking with local Piedmontese influences. Hot showers and decent toilets are standard. The hut operates year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions and ski lift availability. Half-board is the norm; book dinner and breakfast together.
Book directly with the hut by phone or email. July and August fill 2–3 months ahead, especially weekends. Winter weekends during ski season also get busy. The refuge sits on CAI marked trails and welcomes day-hikers, so expect crowds on clear days. Spring and autumn are quieter and offer reliable access without snow complications.
The rifugio offers 50 beds split across several rooms. Meals are substantial—expect hearty mountain cooking with local Piedmontese influences. Hot showers and decent toilets are standard. The hut operates year-round, though winter access depends on snow conditions and ski lift availability. Half-board is the norm; book dinner and breakfast together.
Book directly with the hut by phone or email. July and August fill 2–3 months ahead, especially weekends. Winter weekends during ski season also get busy. The refuge sits on CAI marked trails and welcomes day-hikers, so expect crowds on clear days. Spring and autumn are quieter and offer reliable access without snow complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends and July–August; weekday visits outside peak season need less notice. Check rifugio.net or call ahead, as it's popular with ski resort visitors year-round.
It's open year-round due to the adjacent ski resort, though staffing is heaviest December–April and June–September. Call to confirm availability during shoulder seasons.
From Sestrière village (1,970m) it's a 20-minute walk uphill; from Colle delle Finestre (2,178m) allow 90 minutes. Both routes are straightforward, with the village approach being the quickest option.
The rifugio has 50 beds in shared dorms, a restaurant serving dinner and breakfast, and basic washroom facilities. Hot showers are available but may have limited hot water during busy periods.
Yes—the 20-minute approach from the village is perfect for beginners and families, though the ridge location and exposure make it better suited to hikers with some Alpine experience for longer traverses. Day-hikers and ski-resort visitors use it frequently.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 60
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website