Demanding
About
Bivacco Ernesto Ménabréaz sits at 2,546m in the upper Gran Paradiso National Park, accessible from Pont near Ceresole Reale. The approach takes 3–4 hours on foot via the Nivolet Pass or from the Ceresole Reale valley. It's a working mountaineering base rather than a staffed rifugio, ideal for climbers tackling Gran Paradiso and surrounding peaks.
The bivouac sleeps 12 across basic dormitory spaces. There's no staffing or prepared meals—you bring everything. Water comes from nearby streams. The hut operates year-round, though winter access requires serious mountain skills. It functions as a staging point for summer scrambles and autumn ridge traverses across the Gran Paradiso massif.
Book ahead by email or phone, especially July through September. Contact details are listed on rifugi.net. Numbers are small and fill quickly during peak season. Plan for a self-catering model: bring fuel, food, and a sleeping bag rated well below freezing even in summer. Winter use requires avalanche awareness and likely a guide.
The bivouac sleeps 12 across basic dormitory spaces. There's no staffing or prepared meals—you bring everything. Water comes from nearby streams. The hut operates year-round, though winter access requires serious mountain skills. It functions as a staging point for summer scrambles and autumn ridge traverses across the Gran Paradiso massif.
Book ahead by email or phone, especially July through September. Contact details are listed on rifugi.net. Numbers are small and fill quickly during peak season. Plan for a self-catering model: bring fuel, food, and a sleeping bag rated well below freezing even in summer. Winter use requires avalanche awareness and likely a guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book as early as possible via phone contact or through CAI/rifugi.net; bivouacs fill quickly in summer, especially for climbers doing Gran Paradiso attempts.
Summer season only (June–September typically), unstaffed year-round—you're self-sufficient, so check conditions before heading up in shoulder months.
3–4 hours on foot from Pont (near Ceresole Reale) via Nivolet Pass or from Ceresole Reale valley; it's a mountain approach, not a walk.
12 basic dormitory beds, no prepared meals or staffing—bring all food and fuel; water from nearby streams, no showers.
No—it's a mountaineering base for experienced climbers doing technical ascents; the self-service model and 2546m altitude require mountain competence.
Location
45.6854, 7.4092
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This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
1.2
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Total
- 12
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +39 0165 762611
- Website
- https://www.comune.brissogne.ao.it/vivere-il-territorio/informazioni-utili/bivacco-menabreaz
Activities
Featured In
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