Demanding
About
Bivacco Penne Nere sits at 2,730m on the north face of Mont Emilius in the Valle d'Aosta. Reach it from Champorcher on foot in 4–5 hours via the Pian di Vej, then climbing steeply through rocky terrain. The approach is exposed in places and requires sure footing. This is a climber's staging point, not a tourist destination.
The bivouac is a small, unstaffed shelter with 14 beds in one dormitory room. There is no running water, no electricity, and no meals provided. Bring all food and water from below. A wood stove provides minimal heating. The shelter offers basic protection from the weather and serves primarily as a base for alpine starts on Mont Emilius and nearby peaks. Summer is the only viable season; access is blocked by snow from October through May.
Check conditions on cai.it before heading up. The hut is free to use, but leave it clean and respect other climbers. Water is scarce above 2,730m—fill your bottles in Pian di Viej. Arrive with daylight to spare; the final approach is rocky and navigation is difficult in poor visibility. You're on your own here; bring a headtorch, map, compass, and self-rescue skills.
The bivouac is a small, unstaffed shelter with 14 beds in one dormitory room. There is no running water, no electricity, and no meals provided. Bring all food and water from below. A wood stove provides minimal heating. The shelter offers basic protection from the weather and serves primarily as a base for alpine starts on Mont Emilius and nearby peaks. Summer is the only viable season; access is blocked by snow from October through May.
Check conditions on cai.it before heading up. The hut is free to use, but leave it clean and respect other climbers. Water is scarce above 2,730m—fill your bottles in Pian di Viej. Arrive with daylight to spare; the final approach is rocky and navigation is difficult in poor visibility. You're on your own here; bring a headtorch, map, compass, and self-rescue skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking ahead isn't necessary—it's a first-come, first-served unstaffed bivouac. Check conditions locally or via CAI/rifugi.net before heading up, as weather and access can change quickly at 2730m.
It's open year-round as an unstaffed emergency shelter; most reliable use is June to September when snow clears and conditions are stable. There's no warden, so you're entirely self-reliant.
Start from Champorcher, climb via Pian di Vej for 4–5 hours; the final section is steep, rocky, and exposed in places—solid scrambling ability required, not a casual walk.
14 beds in a single dormitory room, no running water, no electricity, no meals—bring all food, water, and a stove or fuel.
No—this is a mountaineers' shelter on steep, exposed terrain at high altitude; it requires climbing experience, good fitness, and self-sufficiency. Leave families and beginners to staffed rifugi at lower elevations.
Location
45.7966, 7.3674
Need a hotel nearby?
Staying in Valle d'Aosta before or after your hike? Compare hotels on Booking.com.
Search hotels in Valle d'AostaBooked through Booking.com — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. More
Don't forget to book
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
- 14
- Emergency
- 14
Contact & Booking
- Website
- https://www.lovevda.it/it/banca-dati/7/bivacchi/valpelline/bivacco-penne-nere/2523
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.