Refuge des Bouquetins CAS

2.1
2,980m Valle d'Aosta, Italy
Technical

About

Refuge des Bouquetins sits at 2,980m in the Gran Paradiso massif, on the border between Italy and France. Reach it from Pont in the Valle d'Aosta via the Valsavarenche valley. The approach takes 3.5–4 hours on a well-marked trail through alpine meadows and rocky terrain. The final push to the hut gains 800m elevation and gets steeper as you climb.

The refuge operates year-round and holds 26 beds across multiple rooms. The kitchen serves dinner and breakfast; bring lunch or buy supplies at Pont. Water comes from a mountain spring. The hut has no electricity or heating beyond wood stoves, so expect basic conditions typical of high-altitude CAS refugios. The setting works well for routes on Gran Paradiso itself (4,061m) and surrounding peaks. Winter access requires mountaineering skills and avalanche awareness.

Book through the managing CAS club or via rifugi.net. July and August fill 2–3 months ahead. June and September see lighter traffic. Half-board (bed, dinner, breakfast) is mandatory. Arrive with water and food in case supplies run low, and carry a detailed map—the hut sits remote enough that navigation matters in poor visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book 2–3 weeks ahead during July–August, earlier for weekends; contact the refuge directly or use rifugio.net/CAI channels for reservations.
Open year-round with year-round staffing, though access via Valsavarenche may be limited by snow November–May.
Start from Pont in Valsavarenche valley; the marked trail takes 3.5–4 hours with 800m elevation gain over steep rocky terrain in the final section.
26 beds in shared rooms, dinner and breakfast provided; bring or buy lunch supplies at Pont beforehand.
Not ideal for beginners—the 800m final push is steep and exposed; better suited to hikers with solid hill fitness and mountaineers on Gran Paradiso approaches.

Quick Facts

Managing club
FFCAM
Season
Total
26
Dormitory
Emergency
Private rooms

Facilities

Breakfast Half board Meals served Drinking water

Contact & Booking

Email
Phone
Website
http://www.cas-valdejoux.ch