Refuge de la Charpoua
1.5
2,841m
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Refuge de la Charpoua sits at 2,841m in the Gran Paradiso range, accessed from Ceresole Reale in Piedmont via a steady 2-hour hike to Lago Serù, then 1 hour 15 minutes along the lake's north shore. The final section climbs through rocky terrain to the hut. Most parties approach from the south side of Gran Paradiso National Park. This is serious mountain terrain—bring a headtorch for early starts and respect weather changes that come fast at this elevation.
The hut holds 80 people across shared and private rooms. Meals are substantial: a hot dinner and packed lunch option both feature. Water comes from snowmelt and glacial sources nearby; treat it if you're cautious. The refuge operates mid-June to late September, weather permitting. The location works as a base for climbs on Gran Paradiso (4,061m) via mixed terrain to the north, or as a waypoint on longer traverses through the high park.
Book at least 4 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Contact [email protected] or call +39 327 545 3440. The hut fills quickly during the short alpine season. Solo hikers can sometimes find space with less notice, but don't count on it. Access closes when snow blocks the final approach, usually in June and again in October.
The hut holds 80 people across shared and private rooms. Meals are substantial: a hot dinner and packed lunch option both feature. Water comes from snowmelt and glacial sources nearby; treat it if you're cautious. The refuge operates mid-June to late September, weather permitting. The location works as a base for climbs on Gran Paradiso (4,061m) via mixed terrain to the north, or as a waypoint on longer traverses through the high park.
Book at least 4 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Contact [email protected] or call +39 327 545 3440. The hut fills quickly during the short alpine season. Solo hikers can sometimes find space with less notice, but don't count on it. Access closes when snow blocks the final approach, usually in June and again in October.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for July-August weekends; shoulder season is more flexible. Contact the hut directly or use rifugio.net and cai.it for availability and reservations.
Open June through September, fully staffed during summer months; check directly before visiting in shoulder season as staffing can be limited.
Start from Ceresole Reale, hike 2 hours to Lago Serù, then 1 hour 15 minutes along the north shore, finishing with a rocky scramble to the hut—roughly 3.5 hours total with a decent fitness level.
Serves dinner and breakfast; expect shared dorm beds for 80 people total and basic mountain facilities—bring a headtorch since early alpine starts mean early wake-ups.
No—the final approach involves rocky terrain and serious weather exposure at 2,841m; it's best for experienced hikers and mountaineers comfortable with exposed terrain and rapid weather changes.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 40
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website