Refuge de Sales
1.5
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Refuge de Sales sits at 2,066m in the Gran Paradiso massif, accessible from the Valsavarenche valley. The standard approach follows the valley floor for 8km, then climbs steeply through forest and pasture—count on 4 to 5 hours from Pont. You can shorten the walk by parking higher up the road. The hut anchors the crossing between the Gran Paradiso (4,061m) and routes into the Graian Alps, making it a natural base for day walks to glaciers and alpine lakes.
The refuge accommodates 50 people in mixed dormitories. The kitchen serves a four-course dinner and a breakfast buffet; half-board is standard. A small bar stocks drinks. Showers and toilets are communal. The hut opens mid-June through late September, depending on snow cover. Winter closure is firm. July and August draw crowds, particularly on weekends. The hut operates independently but works closely with local CAI sections.
Book in May for peak season. Contact direct by phone or email—advance booking is essential. The refuge fills quickly in July. Arrive by 4pm if you've reserved; later arrivals may lose your room. If you arrive without a reservation in shoulder season, call ahead to check availability rather than hiking up on spec.
The refuge accommodates 50 people in mixed dormitories. The kitchen serves a four-course dinner and a breakfast buffet; half-board is standard. A small bar stocks drinks. Showers and toilets are communal. The hut opens mid-June through late September, depending on snow cover. Winter closure is firm. July and August draw crowds, particularly on weekends. The hut operates independently but works closely with local CAI sections.
Book in May for peak season. Contact direct by phone or email—advance booking is essential. The refuge fills quickly in July. Arrive by 4pm if you've reserved; later arrivals may lose your room. If you arrive without a reservation in shoulder season, call ahead to check availability rather than hiking up on spec.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead during July and August, especially for weekends; shoulder season (June, September) is more flexible. Contact them directly or use rifugio.net for availability.
Open June through September; check current dates before planning as staffing varies by year. Contact via rifugio.net or local CAI Valle d'Aosta section for exact opening dates.
From Pont in Valsavarenche, follow the valley floor 8km then climb steeply through forest and pasture to 2,066m—4 to 5 hours total. You can reduce walking time by parking higher up the road.
Full meals (dinner and breakfast) are provided; ask about packed lunches for day walks. Basic facilities include 50 beds in dorms and likely a washroom, but no hot showers—typical for Italian Alpine huts at this altitude.
Suitable for fit hikers with mountain experience; the 4–5 hour climb is steep and sustained rather than technical, so families with older children comfortable on steep terrain can manage it. Day walks from the hut (lakes, glacier views) are more accessible once you're there.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 60
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website