Bivouac du Dolent
1.1
2,667m
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Bivouac du Dolent sits at 2,667m on the north side of Mont Dolent, on the border between Italy and France. Reach it from Courmayeur via the Val Ferret. From the Rifugio Bonatti (2,025m), allow 3 to 4 hours to reach the bivouac—the path climbs steeply through scree and loose terrain. The final approach requires scrambling and basic mountaineering skills. In winter, the route becomes serious alpine terrain requiring ice axe and crampons.
The bivouac is a basic mountain shelter with 12 beds in a single dormitory. Expect minimal comfort: no heating, no water, no toilet facilities. You bring a sleeping bag and pad. There is a self-catering kitchen with a stove for melting snow and cooking. The hut has no guardians—you manage everything yourself. Opening dates depend on snow conditions, typically July through September. Check the CAI Valle d'Aosta website before planning.
Contact the CAI Courmayeur section directly to arrange access and confirm current conditions. Bring all food, fuel, and water. The bivouac fills rarely, but summer weekends see traffic from Mont Dolent climbers. This is not a staffed hut—only experienced mountaineers who understand self-sufficiency should attempt it. Winter ascents require avalanche awareness and glacier experience.
The bivouac is a basic mountain shelter with 12 beds in a single dormitory. Expect minimal comfort: no heating, no water, no toilet facilities. You bring a sleeping bag and pad. There is a self-catering kitchen with a stove for melting snow and cooking. The hut has no guardians—you manage everything yourself. Opening dates depend on snow conditions, typically July through September. Check the CAI Valle d'Aosta website before planning.
Contact the CAI Courmayeur section directly to arrange access and confirm current conditions. Bring all food, fuel, and water. The bivouac fills rarely, but summer weekends see traffic from Mont Dolent climbers. This is not a staffed hut—only experienced mountaineers who understand self-sufficiency should attempt it. Winter ascents require avalanche awareness and glacier experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book as early as possible—12 beds fill quickly, especially July-August. Contact via rifugio.net or directly through CAI; phone ahead to confirm staffing and conditions.
Typically open June through September, weather permitting. Winter access is possible only for experienced alpinists with winter gear; confirm staffing status before visiting shoulder seasons.
Start from Courmayeur, hike to Rifugio Bonatti (2,025m), then allow 3–4 hours to the bivouac via Val Ferret. The final approach involves steep scree, scrambling, and basic mountaineering—not a straightforward hiking route.
Expect basic shelter with 12 beds and minimal amenities; bring your own sleeping bag and mat. Water and emergency supplies are available; no hot meals or showers.
No—this is an advanced mountain shelter requiring scrambling ability and mountaineering experience. It's for experienced alpinists attempting Mont Dolent or high-level traverses, not family hikers.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 12
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Self catering
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website
- https://www.cas-gruyere.ch/fr/cabanes/bivouac-du-dolent/