Easy
About
Rifugio Alpe Parpinasca sits at 1210m on the slopes above the Valle Maira in Piedmont. The hut serves as a base for day hikes across the Maritime Alps and lies on routes linking the lower valleys. Most approach from Dronero (1270m drive time ~45 minutes) via the village of Pradleves, then a 90-minute walk through pasture land. Summer access is also possible from higher cols during shoulder seasons.
The rifugio accommodates 22 people across mixed dormitory rooms. Meals are home-cooked and focus on local Piedmont ingredients. The hut has a small bar and common room. Water comes from a spring. Toilets are outside. The season runs May through October, though opening dates shift with snow melt. Winter visits need advance confirmation.
Book by phone directly with the rifugio. Summer weekends fill 4–6 weeks ahead. July and August demand booking 8–10 weeks in advance. Phone the hut early in the season to check current opening dates and meal availability, as staffing varies year to year.
The rifugio accommodates 22 people across mixed dormitory rooms. Meals are home-cooked and focus on local Piedmont ingredients. The hut has a small bar and common room. Water comes from a spring. Toilets are outside. The season runs May through October, though opening dates shift with snow melt. Winter visits need advance confirmation.
Book by phone directly with the rifugio. Summer weekends fill 4–6 weeks ahead. July and August demand booking 8–10 weeks in advance. Phone the hut early in the season to check current opening dates and meal availability, as staffing varies year to year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead during July–August, especially weekends; shoulder seasons (June, September) need less notice. Call the hut directly or check rifugio.net for current availability.
The hut operates year-round as a staffed rifugio, though winter access depends on snow conditions and is typically limited to experienced mountaineers; summer (June–September) is peak season.
Drive from Dronero to Pradleves (45 minutes), then walk 90 minutes through pasture to the rifugio at 1210m; shoulder seasons allow access from higher cols in the Maritime Alps.
Home-cooked meals are served; the hut has 22 beds in mixed dormitories, basic washing facilities, and no shower (common for rifugios at this elevation).
Yes—the 90-minute approach is straightforward hiking through pasture, making it accessible for families and entry-level hikers; it's ideal as a base for day walks in the Maritime Alps rather than technical climbing.
Location
46.1050, 8.3535
HutLists Score
5.0
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Total
- 22
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +393488239136
- Website
- http://www.rifugioparpinasca.com/
Featured In
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