Refuge di Viviere

Rifugio di Viviere sits at 2,055m in the Cottian Alps above the Val Maira in Piedmont. Approach from Prazzo village via the Pian del Lupo trail, a steady 3-hour climb through larch forest and alpine pasture. The hut serves as a base for ridge traverses to Rocca della Provisiera (2,650m) and access to the cross-border hiking routes into France. The location works for summer day trips or as a staging post on multi-day routes through the southern Cottian summits.

The rifugio operates year-round and sleeps 30 guests in mixed dormitories. The kitchen serves full evening meals and packed lunches. Water comes from the spring nearby. Facilities are basic but functional: gas heating, pit toilet, cold-water washroom. Evening meals feature traditional Piedmont cuisine. The hut lies outside the main CAI network but maintains consistent opening dates and conditions.

Phone ahead to reserve, especially for weekends and July–August. The hut fills with French hikers during French school holidays in August. Contact direct by phone rather than email for fastest response. Solo hikers can often find a bed same-day, but groups of six or more should book at least two weeks ahead. The hut closes briefly in late November for maintenance.