Demanding
About
Rifugio Paolo Daviso sits at 2,280m in the Cottian Alps on the Piedmont side of the Franco-Italian border. Most hikers reach it in 3 hours from Pian dell'Alpe, following a well-marked trail through alpine meadow and sparse larch forest. The hut works as a base for traverses toward Mont Viso or as a stop on multi-day ridge walks across the Cottian chain.
The rifugio has 24 beds split across small dormitories. Half-board and full-board meals are available; the kitchen focuses on simple, filling food suited to mountain work. There's no shower, but there is running water. The hut operates year-round but expect reduced staffing outside June to September. Winter access requires ski touring skills and good snow judgment.
Book direct with the CAI Sezione di Venaria Reale by phone or email. July and August fill 4–6 weeks ahead, especially weekends. May, June, and September offer more flexibility. The hut sits on a working transhumance route, so staffing can shift with pastoral activity in shoulder seasons. Confirm opening dates before you travel.
The rifugio has 24 beds split across small dormitories. Half-board and full-board meals are available; the kitchen focuses on simple, filling food suited to mountain work. There's no shower, but there is running water. The hut operates year-round but expect reduced staffing outside June to September. Winter access requires ski touring skills and good snow judgment.
Book direct with the CAI Sezione di Venaria Reale by phone or email. July and August fill 4–6 weeks ahead, especially weekends. May, June, and September offer more flexibility. The hut sits on a working transhumance route, so staffing can shift with pastoral activity in shoulder seasons. Confirm opening dates before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead during July and August, earlier if you're targeting weekends or the shoulder season. Call ahead directly or check rifugi.net for availability.
Typically open from June through September, depending on snow conditions; confirm opening dates by calling or checking the hut's website, as late spring snow can delay access.
Hike from Pian dell'Alpe in about 3 hours via a well-marked trail through alpine meadow and larch forest; this is a demanding route with significant elevation gain, so start early.
24 beds in small dormitories, half-board and full-board options available with simple, filling mountain cuisine; bring your own toiletries as shower facilities are basic.
No—the demanding approach and high altitude make it suited to experienced hikers and mountaineers; it's better as a mountaineering base for Mont Viso or ridge traverses than for casual family hiking.
Location
45.3755, 7.1836
HutLists Score
4.3
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI CAI Sezione di Venaria Reale
- Total
- 24
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +39 0123 506749
- Website
- https://www.caivenaria.it/
Activities
Featured In
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