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.
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
HutLists Score
4.3
Overall
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
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +39 3479058659
- Website
- http://www.rifugi-omg-formazza.it/
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.