Plan de l'Au
1.5
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Plan de l'Au sits at 2,639m in the Gran Paradiso massif, deep in the upper Valsavarenche valley. Reach it from Pont in 4–5 hours on a well-marked path that climbs steeply through larch forest, then opens to alpine meadow. The final approach crosses the Plan de l'Au plateau with views south toward the Gran Paradiso glacier. Winter access is unreliable; confirm conditions before going.
The hut is a simple stone refuge run by CAI Valle d'Aosta, sleeping 40 people in dormitory rooms. It serves dinner and breakfast (book meals when you reserve). Water comes from a spring nearby. The toilet is basic. Open mid-June to mid-September; weekends only in shoulder months. This is a working hut for mountaineers tackling the Gran Paradiso, not a leisure stop—expect a utilitarian setup.
Book directly with the warden (hut number via cai.it) or through CAI Valle d'Aosta. July and August weekends fill weeks ahead; phone ahead even if you have a reservation to confirm the hut is staffed. September is quiet and the weather still holds. Bring a headtorch and warm layers—nights are cold at this elevation, and storms develop fast.
The hut is a simple stone refuge run by CAI Valle d'Aosta, sleeping 40 people in dormitory rooms. It serves dinner and breakfast (book meals when you reserve). Water comes from a spring nearby. The toilet is basic. Open mid-June to mid-September; weekends only in shoulder months. This is a working hut for mountaineers tackling the Gran Paradiso, not a leisure stop—expect a utilitarian setup.
Book directly with the warden (hut number via cai.it) or through CAI Valle d'Aosta. July and August weekends fill weeks ahead; phone ahead even if you have a reservation to confirm the hut is staffed. September is quiet and the weather still holds. Bring a headtorch and warm layers—nights are cold at this elevation, and storms develop fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead during summer; weekends fill faster. Contact CAI Valle d'Aosta directly or check rifugio.net and cai.it for availability and reservation options.
Open June through September; winter access is unreliable, so confirm conditions before attempting an off-season visit. The hut is fully staffed during the summer season.
Start from Pont and follow the well-marked path for 4–5 hours; the route climbs steeply through larch forest then opens to alpine meadow before reaching the Plan de l'Au plateau.
40 beds in dormitory rooms, dinner and breakfast included with overnight stays. Showers are basic or unavailable; bring a headlamp and expect mountain hut standards.
The 4–5 hour climb from Pont is steep and gains serious elevation; better suited to experienced hikers than families with young children. Good for fit beginners with solid mountain experience.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website