Auberge de Bionnassay
1.5
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Auberge de Bionnassay sits at 2,191m on the Mont-Blanc massif's northwest flank, in the Gran San Bernardo valley. Reach it from Bionassay village (1,400m) via a straightforward trail that climbs 800m in roughly 3.5 hours. The path follows the Bionnassay stream through pasture and sparse larch forest before emerging onto steeper terrain. This is the main approach for hikers tackling Mont-Blanc's Italian normal route, so expect heavy foot traffic June through September.
The hut sleeps around 40 people in mixed dormitories and has basic but functional facilities: hot water showers, a heated dining room, and a small bar. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is standard. The kitchen serves straightforward mountain food—hearty pasta, polenta, local cheese. Staff speak French and Italian; English is limited. Open mid-June through September. Winter access is possible but irregular; check before planning.
Book directly with the hut. Phone or email in advance, especially for July and August when it fills weekends and midweek. You'll need to provide your name, date of arrival, number of people, and dietary requirements. Payment is cash preferred, but card payment is increasingly accepted. If you're climbing Mont-Blanc the next day, arrive early to secure a bed and eat dinner by 18:00—the hut wakes at 02:00 for summit attempts.
The hut sleeps around 40 people in mixed dormitories and has basic but functional facilities: hot water showers, a heated dining room, and a small bar. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is standard. The kitchen serves straightforward mountain food—hearty pasta, polenta, local cheese. Staff speak French and Italian; English is limited. Open mid-June through September. Winter access is possible but irregular; check before planning.
Book directly with the hut. Phone or email in advance, especially for July and August when it fills weekends and midweek. You'll need to provide your name, date of arrival, number of people, and dietary requirements. Payment is cash preferred, but card payment is increasingly accepted. If you're climbing Mont-Blanc the next day, arrive early to secure a bed and eat dinner by 18:00—the hut wakes at 02:00 for summit attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for July-August; earlier dates are flexible. Contact the hut directly or use rifugi.net; many Valle d'Aosta huts also list on CAI's booking system.
Typically open June through September, with peak staffing mid-June through mid-September; verify current dates before planning as mountain weather can affect access.
Start from Bionassay village (1,400m) and follow the trail up the Bionnassay stream valley for 3.5 hours, gaining 800m through pasture and larch forest to reach 2,191m.
Sleeps around 40 in shared dorms; expect basic mountain hut conditions with communal sleeping and simple meals (dinner and breakfast included with bed); showers are typically limited or unavailable.
The 3.5-hour approach is manageable for fit hikers but not ideal for young children; it's best suited to experienced trekkers planning Mont-Blanc's Italian route rather than casual walkers.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 60
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website
- http://www.auberge-bionnassay.com