Refuge du Plan du Lac
1.4
Piedmont, Italy
About
Refuge du Plan du Lac sits at 2,060m in the Walser valleys of Piedmont, near the Gran Paradiso massif. Reach it from the village of Formazza by hiking 3–4 hours up the Val Sabbione, a steady climb through pasture and larch forest with views south toward Monte Rosa. The path is well-marked and gains about 1,000m elevation. In winter, access is difficult and the hut closes.
The refuge holds 60 beds in simple rooms and serves hearty mountain cooking using local ingredients. Half-board includes dinner and breakfast; packed lunches available. The kitchen operates daily during the season. Hot water is reliable. Toilet facilities are basic but functional. The hut sits on the old Walser trade route and makes an excellent base for day walks to alpine lakes and passes, or as a staging point for multi-day traverses toward Macugnaga or the Nifetti glacier approach.
Phone the hut directly to book: this is the most reliable method. July and August fill quickly—book 4–6 weeks ahead for those months. June and September see lighter traffic. The refuge is family-friendly and popular with Italian Alpine club members. Expect to pay around €35–45 per night for bed-only, €55–65 half-board. Cash preferred, but confirm payment methods when you call.
The refuge holds 60 beds in simple rooms and serves hearty mountain cooking using local ingredients. Half-board includes dinner and breakfast; packed lunches available. The kitchen operates daily during the season. Hot water is reliable. Toilet facilities are basic but functional. The hut sits on the old Walser trade route and makes an excellent base for day walks to alpine lakes and passes, or as a staging point for multi-day traverses toward Macugnaga or the Nifetti glacier approach.
Phone the hut directly to book: this is the most reliable method. July and August fill quickly—book 4–6 weeks ahead for those months. June and September see lighter traffic. The refuge is family-friendly and popular with Italian Alpine club members. Expect to pay around €35–45 per night for bed-only, €55–65 half-board. Cash preferred, but confirm payment methods when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for summer weekends, especially July–August. Contact the refuge directly by phone or check rifugio.net and cai.it for availability and booking options.
Open mid-June through September; it closes in winter due to difficult access. Confirm opening dates by calling ahead, as snow conditions can vary.
Start from Formazza village and hike 3–4 hours up Val Sabbione, gaining 1,000m on a well-marked path through pasture and larch forest. The route is steady but straightforward.
60 beds in simple rooms, hot meals with local ingredients, and half-board available (dinner and breakfast included). Basic facilities; bring a headlamp and quick-dry towel.
Yes for fit hikers and families comfortable with 3–4 hours of steady climbing and 1,000m elevation gain. The well-marked path and refuge facilities make it a solid mid-Alpine introduction.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 60
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +33 4 79 20 50 85
- Website
- https://refuge-plandulac.vanoise.com