San Bernardo di Mares
4.8About
San Bernardo di Mares sits at 1546m on the border between Piedmont and Liguria, in the Maritime Alps. You reach it from the Val Maira valley via a steady 3-hour hike from Prazzo (830m), or in 2.5 hours from Rifugio Gelas to the south. The approach is well-marked and gains 700m through mixed woodland and alpine pasture.
The hut sleeps around 40 people in shared dormitories and a few smaller rooms. Full board or half-board meals focus on Piedmontese mountain cooking. Kitchen facilities and a small dining area serve hikers year-round. The hut has no electricity supply—light comes from gas, water from the spring. Toilets are basic but functional. This is a working mountain hut, not a hotel. Winter access depends on snow conditions; check directly before November and after April.
Book directly by email or phone well ahead for July and August—the hut fills quickly with groups. Outside peak season, you can often find space with 1–2 weeks' notice. The hut management prefers phone contact for immediate confirmation. Ask about group rates if you're bringing a party of 10 or more. Half-board typically costs €35–45 per person per night, depending on the season and meal choice.
The hut sleeps around 40 people in shared dormitories and a few smaller rooms. Full board or half-board meals focus on Piedmontese mountain cooking. Kitchen facilities and a small dining area serve hikers year-round. The hut has no electricity supply—light comes from gas, water from the spring. Toilets are basic but functional. This is a working mountain hut, not a hotel. Winter access depends on snow conditions; check directly before November and after April.
Book directly by email or phone well ahead for July and August—the hut fills quickly with groups. Outside peak season, you can often find space with 1–2 weeks' notice. The hut management prefers phone contact for immediate confirmation. Ask about group rates if you're bringing a party of 10 or more. Half-board typically costs €35–45 per person per night, depending on the season and meal choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season (July-August), especially for weekends. Call the hut directly to reserve—they don't use online systems like rifugi.net.
Open and staffed during summer months (June-September typically), though exact dates vary by year. Contact them by phone to confirm current opening dates.
From Prazzo (830m) in Val Maira, it's a moderate 3-hour hike gaining 700m through woodland and pasture on well-marked trails. Alternatively, 2.5 hours from Rifugio Gelas to the south.
40 beds in shared dorms and small rooms, full or half-board meals featuring Piedmontese mountain cooking, and basic kitchen access. No mention of showers—bring a lightweight towel and expect basic washing facilities.
Yes—the moderate 3-hour approach from Prazzo is reasonable for fit families and is well-marked and safe. It's a solid introduction to hut hiking rather than a technical or challenging climb.
Location
45.3892, 7.5573
HutLists Score
4.8
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Total
- 40
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +39 0124 659998
- Website
- http://www.caicvl.eu/rifugio_mares.htm
Featured In
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