Bivouac Città di Gallarate
0.8Bivacco Città di Gallarate
3,960m
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Bivacco Città di Gallarate sits at 3,960m on the north side of Gran Paradiso, in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park. Reach it from the Pont hamlet of Cogne, following the normal route toward Gran Paradiso's summit. The approach takes roughly 5 hours from the Vittorio Emanuele II refuge (2,732m), gaining 1,228m through alpine terrain. This is a high-altitude bivouac: expect exposed ridges and scrambling above 3,500m. The hut marks the final staging point for Gran Paradiso ascents.
The bivouac holds 9 beds in basic dormitory accommodation. There is no guardian and no prepared meals. Bring a stove, fuel, and all food with you. Water is scarce at this elevation; melting snow in summer is the only option. The structure offers wind and weather protection for alpinists, nothing more. Open July through September, depending on snow conditions. Winter access requires mountaineering skills and special preparation.
Book directly with the CAI Gallarate section. Contact details are available via cai.it. Space fills quickly for summer weekends and during the main climbing season (July–August). Confirm conditions before departure—early season snowmelt and late-summer rockfall both affect the approach. Allow extra time for acclimatization if climbing from lower elevations the same day.
The bivouac holds 9 beds in basic dormitory accommodation. There is no guardian and no prepared meals. Bring a stove, fuel, and all food with you. Water is scarce at this elevation; melting snow in summer is the only option. The structure offers wind and weather protection for alpinists, nothing more. Open July through September, depending on snow conditions. Winter access requires mountaineering skills and special preparation.
Book directly with the CAI Gallarate section. Contact details are available via cai.it. Space fills quickly for summer weekends and during the main climbing season (July–August). Confirm conditions before departure—early season snowmelt and late-summer rockfall both affect the approach. Allow extra time for acclimatization if climbing from lower elevations the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bivaccos are unstaffed emergency shelters, so booking isn't possible—first come, first served. Check rifugi.net or cai.it for current status before your trip, as extreme weather can make access hazardous.
Accessible July through September in typical conditions; the 3,960m elevation and exposed position mean snow, ice, and storms can close it earlier or later depending on the year.
Start from Pont near Cogne, head to Vittorio Emanuele II refuge (2,732m), then traverse toward Gran Paradiso—roughly 5 hours from the refuge, gaining 1,228m over alpine terrain and exposed ridges.
9 beds, no services: it's an unstaffed shelter with basic sleeping platforms, no meals, water, heating, or showers—bring everything you need.
No. At 3,960m with scrambling on exposed ridges above 3,500m, this is strictly for experienced alpinists with mountain skills and acclimatization.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- 9
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website