Refuge du Lac Blanc
1.5
Piedmont, Italy
About
Refuge du Lac Blanc sits at 2,713m in the Cottian Alps, accessible from the Vallone della Rossa valley. The standard approach starts from the village of Balme (1,480m) and takes 4–5 hours via the Pian della Balma plateau and the Lago Superiore. A shorter 2.5-hour variant exists from Fenestrelle via the Colle Delle Tre Denti (2,658m) if you're coming from the east. The final section climbs steeply to the lake basin.
The hut holds 40 beds in a mix of doubles and multi-bed rooms. Half-board is standard—dinners feature regional Piedmont cooking with pasta and game when available. The kitchen can handle vegetarian requests with advance notice. An outhouse sits outside. Water comes directly from the lake. The season runs mid-June through late September; July and August attract steady traffic from hikers crossing toward France.
Book 8 weeks ahead for weekends in July and August. Contact the hut directly by phone or email to reserve. The refuge is independently managed, not affiliated with CAI or SAT, so check their website for current rates and opening dates before planning. Confirm your arrival day—staff need warning for meals.
The hut holds 40 beds in a mix of doubles and multi-bed rooms. Half-board is standard—dinners feature regional Piedmont cooking with pasta and game when available. The kitchen can handle vegetarian requests with advance notice. An outhouse sits outside. Water comes directly from the lake. The season runs mid-June through late September; July and August attract steady traffic from hikers crossing toward France.
Book 8 weeks ahead for weekends in July and August. Contact the hut directly by phone or email to reserve. The refuge is independently managed, not affiliated with CAI or SAT, so check their website for current rates and opening dates before planning. Confirm your arrival day—staff need warning for meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends in July and August, earlier if possible. Contact the hut directly or use rifugi.net; check CAI affiliations for member discounts.
Typically open late June through September, depending on snow conditions and staffing. Confirm opening dates with the hut before traveling.
From Balme (1,480m): 4–5 hours via Pian della Balma and Lago Superiore. Faster option from Fenestrelle via Colle Delle Tre Denti: 2.5 hours. Both routes end with a steep climb to the lake basin.
40 beds in doubles and multi-bed rooms; half-board (dinner and breakfast) is standard. Confirm if packed lunches or packed provisions can be arranged.
Better for experienced hikers due to the steep final section and 2,713m altitude. Not ideal for young children, but fit families with alpine experience can manage the longer Balme approach.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website
- https://www.refugedulacblanc-vanoise.com/