Refuge Genziana
1.5Rifugio Genziana
Piedmont, Italy
About
Rifugio Genziana sits at 2,154m in the Pennine Alps, accessed via the Valle d'Aosta from Gressoney-la-Trinité. The standard approach takes 2.5 hours from Gressoney, climbing through larch forest then alpine meadow. The hut marks the gateway to the Monte Rosa massif and works as a base for climbers targeting Capanna Gnifetti or hikers crossing into Switzerland via the Colle di Teodulo. Winter access is severely limited; most trekkers come June through September.
The hut holds 80 beds in mixed dorms. Kitchen facilities and a dining hall serve half-board meals with strong emphasis on hearty regional cooking. Hot showers are available. The hut runs year-round but rarely fully staffed outside peak season. Winter visits require advance notice and confirmed staffing. The building is CAI-managed and well-maintained, though exposed conditions mean wind can be intense even in summer. Booking ahead is essential during July and August—spaces fill 6-8 weeks out.
Book directly through the hut by phone or email. The CAI website (cai.it) lists contact details and opening dates. July weekends are completely booked by May. September and early June offer better availability and clearer weather for ridge work. The hut sits on the Monterosa trek and the E5 long-distance trail, so through-hikers booking both directions should secure dates simultaneously.
The hut holds 80 beds in mixed dorms. Kitchen facilities and a dining hall serve half-board meals with strong emphasis on hearty regional cooking. Hot showers are available. The hut runs year-round but rarely fully staffed outside peak season. Winter visits require advance notice and confirmed staffing. The building is CAI-managed and well-maintained, though exposed conditions mean wind can be intense even in summer. Booking ahead is essential during July and August—spaces fill 6-8 weeks out.
Book directly through the hut by phone or email. The CAI website (cai.it) lists contact details and opening dates. July weekends are completely booked by May. September and early June offer better availability and clearer weather for ridge work. The hut sits on the Monterosa trek and the E5 long-distance trail, so through-hikers booking both directions should secure dates simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for July and August; earlier dates and shoulder season (June, September) are more flexible. Use rifugio.net or contact the hut directly via CAI for availability.
Open June through September; winter access is severely limited and the hut is effectively closed. Check current staffing status before visiting in shoulder months.
From Gressoney-la-Trinité, allow 2.5 hours on foot via larch forest and alpine meadow, gaining roughly 800m elevation. There is no vehicle access; hiking is the only approach.
Serves dinner, breakfast, and packed lunches; beds are in mixed dorms with 80 total capacity. Facilities are basic—expect cold-water wash stations typical of high-altitude rifugi; no showers.
Suitable for fit hikers and families with Alpine experience; the 2.5-hour approach and 2,154m altitude are manageable but not trivial. Better suited to climbers or experienced mountain hikers using it as a base for Monte Rosa or crossing into Switzerland.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website