Refuge Battaglione Alpini Monte Granero

Rifugio Battaglione Alpini Monte Granero sits at 2,377m in the Cottian Alps, roughly 2.5 hours' walk from the village of Prazzo in the Val Maira. The hut overlooks high pasture country and is a solid base for day walks across open ridges or as a staging point on longer traverses across the Cottian range. Most parties approach from the south via the Colle della Lombarda area; come from the west and you'll tackle steeper ground through larch and rhododendron.

The hut manages 48 beds split across multiple rooms and sleeps walkers and mountaineers year-round. Meals are standard rifugio fare: pasta, polenta, local cheese, and simple secondi. The kitchen stocks fuel for camp stoves if you bring your own. Water comes from a spring; there's a small bar. The hut runs in summer (June to September) with reduced service in shoulder months—check before planning winter or early spring visits. Phone ahead in autumn and spring to confirm staffing.

Book directly by email or phone, especially for weekends in July and August when the hut fills regularly. Email gets a faster reply than you'd expect. Groups of 8 or more should contact the refuge 3 weeks ahead. The refuge is managed by volunteers, so be patient with response times during busy periods. Half board (bed and meals) works out cheaper than paying separately, though you can buy lunch packs if you're day-walking from the hut.