Refuge des Adus
1.5
Piedmont, Italy
About
Refuge des Adus sits at 2,035m in the Maritime Alps near Limone Piemonte in Piedmont. Reach it from the village of Limone in 3–4 hours on foot. The hut marks a crossing point between the Ligurian and Piedmontese valleys. Most trekkers approach via the Valle Gesso di Entracque, following a mule track that gains 900m steadily through larch forest and alpine meadow. The final section crosses the Col des Adus pass itself before dropping 200m to the refuge.
The hut operates year-round and sleeps 40 across simple dorms and a few double rooms. The custodian runs a kitchen that serves hot meals and packed lunches. Water comes from a spring nearby. Toilet facilities are basic. The refuge sits well below treeline, so snow lingers into May and autumn weather deteriorates fast after September. Summer is busy for trekkers crossing the Maritime Alps between the Piedmont valleys and the French Côte d'Azur.
Book through CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) offices or directly with the refuge by phone—contact details are listed on cai.it. July and August fill quickly; aim to book 2–3 weeks ahead for these months. The hut takes only voice calls and no email booking system. Arrive with cash in hand; card payment is unreliable at this elevation and isolation.
The hut operates year-round and sleeps 40 across simple dorms and a few double rooms. The custodian runs a kitchen that serves hot meals and packed lunches. Water comes from a spring nearby. Toilet facilities are basic. The refuge sits well below treeline, so snow lingers into May and autumn weather deteriorates fast after September. Summer is busy for trekkers crossing the Maritime Alps between the Piedmont valleys and the French Côte d'Azur.
Book through CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) offices or directly with the refuge by phone—contact details are listed on cai.it. July and August fill quickly; aim to book 2–3 weeks ahead for these months. The hut takes only voice calls and no email booking system. Arrive with cash in hand; card payment is unreliable at this elevation and isolation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead during July–August; weekends fill quickly. Outside peak season, a few days' notice is usually fine. Contact the hut directly or use rifugi.net for availability.
Open year-round with full staffing June through September; winter access depends on snow and weather, so confirm ahead if visiting outside summer months.
Start from Limone Piemonte village and follow the Valle Gesso di Entracque mule track; 3–4 hours on foot, gaining 900m through larch forest and meadow to the Col des Adus pass, then descend 200m to the hut.
Full meals (dinner and breakfast included with beds), basic dormitory beds for 40 people. Expect mountain-hut standard: no private rooms, cold water or washbasins; hot showers may be limited or chargeable.
Yes for fit families and experienced hikers; the 3–4 hour approach is steady but long for young children. It's an ideal base for alpine walking rather than technical climbing, with good onward routes into the Maritime Alps.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website