Refuge Combe d'Imbert
1.3Rifugio Combe d'Imbert
Piedmont, Italy
About
Rifugio Combe d'Imbert sits at 2,087m in the Cottian Alps above the Maira Valley. Reach it from Acceglio in Piedmont via the hamlet of Ponte Maira in 4–5 hours on foot. The trail climbs steadily through larch forest, then opens to alpine meadow as you approach the hut. In winter, access becomes harder and the hut closes. Summer access is straightforward for fit hikers with decent boots.
The hut sleeps 30 people in mixed dormitories. Meals are simple and substantial—expect pasta, polenta, and local cheese. Water comes from a spring. There's no shower. The hut runs from June through September only. It's a working base for routes into the Maira cirque and climbs toward Monte Brondello (2,800m). The guardian is helpful with route advice and knows the surrounding ridges well.
Book directly with the hut by phone or email if you have numbers; otherwise contact the managing club through cai.it or rifugi.net. July and August are busy—book 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends. The hut fills quickly because it's the only shelter in this valley sector. Arrive early in the day if you're dropping in, though the guardian usually accommodates walkers in shoulder season (June, September) even without reservation.
The hut sleeps 30 people in mixed dormitories. Meals are simple and substantial—expect pasta, polenta, and local cheese. Water comes from a spring. There's no shower. The hut runs from June through September only. It's a working base for routes into the Maira cirque and climbs toward Monte Brondello (2,800m). The guardian is helpful with route advice and knows the surrounding ridges well.
Book directly with the hut by phone or email if you have numbers; otherwise contact the managing club through cai.it or rifugi.net. July and August are busy—book 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends. The hut fills quickly because it's the only shelter in this valley sector. Arrive early in the day if you're dropping in, though the guardian usually accommodates walkers in shoulder season (June, September) even without reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for summer weekends, earlier if you're coming in July or August; check rifugio.net or contact the hut directly for current availability and rates.
Open roughly June to September depending on snow conditions; the hut closes in winter when access becomes impractical.
Start from Acceglio village in the Maira Valley, pass through Ponte Maira hamlet, and hike 4–5 hours on a steady trail through larch forest and alpine meadow to reach 2,087m.
30 beds in mixed dorms, simple meals (pasta, polenta, local specialties), and basic water facilities; no hot showers, so plan accordingly.
Suitable for fit hikers with mountain experience and decent boots—the 4–5 hour approach is steady but unrelenting, and altitude (2,087m) requires acclimatization; not ideal for casual walkers or families with young children.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website