Ricovero Desertes
1.5
Piedmont, Italy
About
Ricovero Desertes sits at 2,587m on the frontier between Piedmont and the Aosta Valley, in the Gran Paradiso massif. Reach it from Ceresole Reale via the Pian della Balma, a 4-hour push northeast through open terrain and sparse larch forest. The hut anchors access to the Desertes peaks and several high passes linking the Gran Paradiso valleys. Weather above 2,400m changes fast here—leave early.
The rifugio operates as a small emergency shelter with 4 beds total. It offers basic sleeping space and a wood stove but minimal cooking facilities or supplies. Water comes from snowmelt or nearby streams. Opening dates depend on snow conditions; assume May through September, but verify before heading up. This is a place to sleep, not to linger. Bring a stove, fuel, and food. Winter use is possible for equipped parties, but the hut is unmanaged and exposed.
Contact CAI Torino or check rifugicai.it for current status and access conditions. Unreliable staffing means verify opening before your trip. This hut suits competent parties doing multi-day traverses, not casual overnights.
The rifugio operates as a small emergency shelter with 4 beds total. It offers basic sleeping space and a wood stove but minimal cooking facilities or supplies. Water comes from snowmelt or nearby streams. Opening dates depend on snow conditions; assume May through September, but verify before heading up. This is a place to sleep, not to linger. Bring a stove, fuel, and food. Winter use is possible for equipped parties, but the hut is unmanaged and exposed.
Contact CAI Torino or check rifugicai.it for current status and access conditions. Unreliable staffing means verify opening before your trip. This hut suits competent parties doing multi-day traverses, not casual overnights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book as early as possible through rifugio.net or contact CAI directly; with only 4 beds, this tiny shelter fills quickly during summer weekends and is often reserved for mountaineering groups.
Operating season typically runs June through September depending on snow conditions and weather; it functions as a basic emergency shelter rather than a full-service rifugio, so expect minimal or no staffing—verify current status with CAI before planning.
Start from Ceresole Reale and head northeast via Pian della Balma through open terrain and larch forest; the hike takes roughly 4 hours to reach 2,587m, on terrain exposed to fast weather changes above 2,400m, so leave early.
Expect basic sleeping space for 4 people only; there's no reliable water, heating, or food service—bring your own stove, fuel, and supplies as this is a true alpine emergency shelter, not a staffed rifugio.
No—this is for experienced mountaineers only; the 4-hour approach crosses exposed high terrain, weather is severe, and the hut offers no amenities, staff support, or safety margin for inexperienced hikers.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- 4
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website