Refuge 3A
Lorenzo Colombo (Olonia) / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

Refuge 3A

4.3

Rifugio 3A

2,912m Piedmont, Italy Write a review
Technical

About

Rifugio 3A sits at 2,912m in the high Piedmont Alps, serving climbers and hikers targeting peaks in the Gran Paradiso massif. You reach it on foot from the Ceresole Reale valley—expect 3.5 to 4 hours from the road end, depending on snow cover and your load. The approach climbs steadily through alpine meadows before breaking into scree and rocky terrain. Summer access is straightforward; spring and autumn routes depend on conditions.

The hut holds 90 beds across multiple rooms, making it one of the larger refuges at this elevation. Half-board meals follow the standard rifugio formula: hearty evening dinner, breakfast, and packed lunch on request. Showers are available—a genuine comfort at 2,912m. The hut operates June through September, with shoulder-season weekends possible in May and October depending on snow. Staff maintain the hut year-round for winter mountaineering, but supplies and services are minimal outside summer.

Book directly by email or phone at least 6 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Single nights midweek are usually available with shorter notice, but don't count on it. Friday and Saturday slots fill quickly in July. Confirm your arrival time when you book; the staff needs to know if you're arriving late to ensure dinner is ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book 2–3 months ahead for July–August weekends; shoulder season (June, September) needs less lead time. Call the hut directly or use rifugio.net and cai.it for availability.
Open June through September in most years; exact dates depend on snow conditions in spring and autumn. Call ahead if visiting before mid-June or after late September.
Hike 3.5–4 hours on foot from the Ceresole Reale valley road-end; the route climbs through alpine meadows then scree and rocky terrain. Summer is easiest; spring and autumn require checking conditions.
Expect half-board (dinner and breakfast) as standard; hot showers are available. The hut holds 90 beds in shared rooms.
It's best for experienced hikers and mountaineers; the 3.5–4 hour approach at 2,912m elevation and technical terrain make it unsuitable for young children or untrained hikers.

Location

46.4238, 8.3352

Plan your visit

Reservation recommended.

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Don't forget to book

This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.

We can't watch this hut's availability — it books direct. Give us your arrival date and we'll email you when it's time to get in touch, with the hut's phone and email.

Independent of the hut and its alpine club. We never book or hold beds — the reminder just tells you when to get in touch, with the hut's own contact details.

HutLists Score

4.3
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Facilities
Access
Season

Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.

Quick Facts

Managing club
FFCAM
Total
90

Facilities

Showers Breakfast Half board Meals served Drinking water

Contact & Booking

Phone
+39 3479058659
Website
http://www.rifugi-omg-formazza.it/

Free Packing Checklist

Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.

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