Moderate
About
Rifugio Malinvern sits at 1,839m in the Piedmont Alps, on the border between Italy and France. Reach it from the Val Maira via the Ponte Chianale trailhead. The standard approach takes 3 hours on a well-marked path with steady elevation gain. This is a basecamp hut for day trips into the surrounding peaks and alpine meadows rather than a through-hike stop.
The rifugio holds 46 beds across multiple rooms. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is standard. The kitchen serves simple mountain food—pasta, polenta, seasonal vegetables. The hut has running water and basic washrooms but no shower. It operates year-round, though July and August bring full occupancy. Winter access depends on snow conditions; contact ahead if visiting December to March.
Book by phone directly with the hut. July and August require booking 4–6 weeks ahead. May through October is reliably open with normal mountain weather. The hut is managed independently, not affiliated with CAI or SAT, so booking sites like rifugi.net may not list current availability. Call to confirm dates before making the drive to Ponte Chianale.
The rifugio holds 46 beds across multiple rooms. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is standard. The kitchen serves simple mountain food—pasta, polenta, seasonal vegetables. The hut has running water and basic washrooms but no shower. It operates year-round, though July and August bring full occupancy. Winter access depends on snow conditions; contact ahead if visiting December to March.
Book by phone directly with the hut. July and August require booking 4–6 weeks ahead. May through October is reliably open with normal mountain weather. The hut is managed independently, not affiliated with CAI or SAT, so booking sites like rifugi.net may not list current availability. Call to confirm dates before making the drive to Ponte Chianale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–4 weeks ahead for weekends and July–August; weekdays outside peak season can usually be arranged with shorter notice. Call ahead using the contact number or check rifugio.net for availability.
Most Piedmont rifugi at this elevation open late June through September; confirm exact dates by calling the hut directly, as staffing depends on weather and booking volume.
Start from Ponte Chianale trailhead in Val Maira; the well-marked path takes 3 hours with steady elevation gain of roughly 600m to reach 1,839m.
Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is standard; expect simple mountain cooking. The hut has 46 beds in shared rooms; ask about shower availability when booking, as hot water may be limited.
Yes—the 3-hour approach is moderate and well-marked, making it good for fit families and hikers new to Alpine huts; it works better as a basecamp for day trips than a through-hike stop.
Location
44.2203, 7.1846
HutLists Score
3.2
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Total
- 46
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +39 0171 1936018
- Website
- http://www.rifugiomalinvern.it
Activities
Featured In
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