Refuge de la Croix de Pierre
1.4
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Refuge de la Croix de Pierre sits at 2,568m in the Gran Paradiso massif, accessible from the Valsavarenche valley. The standard approach follows the Strada Reale trail from Pont, a 3-hour hike gaining 800m steadily through larch and stone pine forest. The final section opens onto alpine meadows with direct views toward Gran Paradiso itself. Winter access depends on snow conditions and requires mountaineering experience.
The refuge operates as a simple mountain base with 30 beds in shared dorms. Half-board is standard: dinner and breakfast included with accommodation. The kitchen prepares hearty mountain food using local ingredients. Showers are available but hot water is limited—plan accordingly. The hut stays open June through September, with weekends-only operation in shoulder months. Staff speak Italian and French; English is limited. This is a working hut for serious hikers, not a resort.
Book direct by email or phone at least 4 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Weekend slots fill quickly during July. Mid-week visits in June and September offer better availability and calmer conditions. The hut lies on the main Gran Paradiso Circuit trekking route, so expect company during peak season. Confirm opening dates before planning your trip—early season snow can delay access into June.
The refuge operates as a simple mountain base with 30 beds in shared dorms. Half-board is standard: dinner and breakfast included with accommodation. The kitchen prepares hearty mountain food using local ingredients. Showers are available but hot water is limited—plan accordingly. The hut stays open June through September, with weekends-only operation in shoulder months. Staff speak Italian and French; English is limited. This is a working hut for serious hikers, not a resort.
Book direct by email or phone at least 4 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Weekend slots fill quickly during July. Mid-week visits in June and September offer better availability and calmer conditions. The hut lies on the main Gran Paradiso Circuit trekking route, so expect company during peak season. Confirm opening dates before planning your trip—early season snow can delay access into June.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–4 weeks ahead for summer weekends; mid-week slots fill slower. Call ahead using the phone contact listed, or check rifugio.net and CAI regional platforms for availability and direct booking options.
Typically open late June through September, depending on snow melt and staffing. Confirm exact dates by phone before planning your trip, as Alpine weather can shift opening dates.
Start from Pont in Valsavarenche valley and follow the Strada Reale trail: 3 hours of steady hiking with 800m elevation gain through forest to alpine meadows. Winter approach requires mountaineering skills and is weather-dependent.
30 beds in shared dorms, basic mountain hut setup. Meals (dinner, breakfast, packed lunches) are provided; bring your own sleeping bag and expect no showers—standard for rifugios at this altitude.
Suited to fit hikers with solid stamina; the 3-hour ascent and 800m gain are moderate but relentless. Families with hiking experience can manage it; younger children may struggle with the sustained climb.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 6 19 56 36 04
- Website
- https://www.refugedelacroixdepierre.fr/