Refuge de la Balme
1.9
2,009m
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Rifugio de la Balme sits at 2,009m in the Val d'Aosta, accessed from the village of Gressoney-la-Trinité. The standard approach takes 2.5 hours from Gressoney-St-Jean via the Loo valley trail, gaining 600m steadily through larch forest and open pasture. The hut marks the gateway to higher peaks: Mont Rosa approaches and traverses to Rifugio Sella start here.
The rifugio has 35 beds split across simple rooms. Half-board is standard (dinner, bed, breakfast). The kitchen serves solid mountain fare—expect pasta, polenta, and seasonal vegetables. Water comes from mountain sources. The hut operates year-round, though winter requires checking ahead. Winter and autumn bring snowfall that can close approaches without proper planning. Basic toilet and washing facilities only; no shower.
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August. Contact the hut directly by phone (+39 0125 366119) or email. July weekends fill quickly. June and September offer better availability and stable weather for longer hikes. The hut sits on the route to the Sella bivouac and Balme glacier approaches, so expect a mixed crowd of day-hikers and climbers planning alpine starts.
The rifugio has 35 beds split across simple rooms. Half-board is standard (dinner, bed, breakfast). The kitchen serves solid mountain fare—expect pasta, polenta, and seasonal vegetables. Water comes from mountain sources. The hut operates year-round, though winter requires checking ahead. Winter and autumn bring snowfall that can close approaches without proper planning. Basic toilet and washing facilities only; no shower.
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August. Contact the hut directly by phone (+39 0125 366119) or email. July weekends fill quickly. June and September offer better availability and stable weather for longer hikes. The hut sits on the route to the Sella bivouac and Balme glacier approaches, so expect a mixed crowd of day-hikers and climbers planning alpine starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead during July-August, especially weekends; shoulder seasons (June, September) are more flexible. Contact the hut directly or use rifugio.net and cai.it for availability.
The hut typically operates June through September, with the busiest period July-August; confirm exact dates before planning as opening depends on snow melt and staffing.
Hike from Gressoney-St-Jean via the Loo valley trail (2.5 hours, 600m elevation gain) through larch forest and pasture to the hut at 2,009m.
The hut has 35 beds in simple rooms with half-board standard (dinner, bed, breakfast); solid mountain cooking but no other meal options or showers mentioned, so assume basic mountain hut setup.
Yes for fit beginners—the 2.5-hour approach with steady 600m gain is manageable for those with hiking experience, though it's positioned as a basecamp for Mont Rosa and alpine traverses, not a casual day destination.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- SAT
- Season
- –
- Total
- 35
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website
- http://www.refuge-balme-tarentaise.fr