Refuge des Petoudes
1.7
2,169m
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Refuge des Petoudes sits at 2,169m in the Gran Paradiso National Park, in the upper reaches of the Valsavarenche valley in Valle d'Aosta. Reach it from Pont in 3 hours on a well-marked trail through pasture and rocky terrain. The hut is small and remote—this is genuine mountain country, not a busy transit point. It works as a base for day climbs in the Gran Paradiso massif or as a stage on multi-day traverses through the park.
The refuge has 9 beds split across simple dormitory rooms with blankets provided. Meals focus on hearty mountain food: dinner is usually pasta or risotto with local cheese and cured meats, breakfast is bread and jam. Hot water and basic washing facilities are available. The season runs June through September; snow blocks access before June. The hut is unmanned outside summer, so confirm opening dates before traveling.
Book directly with the refuge well ahead if you're planning a July or August weekend—9 beds fill quickly. Contact details are typically available through Gran Paradiso National Park information offices or via the Valle d'Aosta tourism website. If the refuge is full, the Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele (3,029m) is the next option higher in the valley, though it involves a rougher approach.
The refuge has 9 beds split across simple dormitory rooms with blankets provided. Meals focus on hearty mountain food: dinner is usually pasta or risotto with local cheese and cured meats, breakfast is bread and jam. Hot water and basic washing facilities are available. The season runs June through September; snow blocks access before June. The hut is unmanned outside summer, so confirm opening dates before traveling.
Book directly with the refuge well ahead if you're planning a July or August weekend—9 beds fill quickly. Contact details are typically available through Gran Paradiso National Park information offices or via the Valle d'Aosta tourism website. If the refuge is full, the Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele (3,029m) is the next option higher in the valley, though it involves a rougher approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead during peak season (July–August); the hut has only 9 beds. Contact the hut directly or use rifugi.net; it's managed by CAI, so cai.it may have contact details.
Typically open June to September, depending on snow and weather; confirm dates before planning, as remote high huts can close early or open late.
Start from Pont in the Valsavarenche valley; the well-marked trail takes 3 hours and climbs through pasture and rocky terrain to 2,169m.
Simple dormitory beds (9 total), basic mountain hut food (likely half or full board); confirm amenities like heating, water, and shower access when you book, as this is a small remote refuge.
No—it's for experienced hikers and mountaineers only; the 3-hour approach is straightforward, but the remote location, small capacity, and lack of luxuries make it unsuitable for families or casual walkers.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 9
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website
- http://cas-diablerets.ch/cabanes/refuge-des-petoudes/