Refuge des prés
1.7
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Refuge des Prés sits at 2,570m in the Gran Paradiso massif, Valle d'Aosta. Reach it from the Lillaz valley via the Cascata di Lilliaz trail—allow 3 to 4 hours from the road end near Cogne. The hut marks the entry point for routes into the Orco-Rocciavrè and Gran Paradiso high country. Summer snow clears by mid-July, but the exposed approach can be steep and rocky in places.
The refuge holds 40 beds split across rooms for 2 to 6 people. Half-board includes a solid mountain dinner and breakfast; packed lunches are available. The kitchen produces proper meals, not token fare. There are no showers. Cell reception is patchy. The hut operates mid-June through mid-September, with opening dependent on snow conditions. Winter closes it completely.
Call ahead to book and confirm the approach is clear of snow. July and August fill fast—call at least a month ahead if you want guaranteed space. The refuge fills on weekends year-round. Single nights are possible but less common; plan for 2-night stays to make logistics worthwhile. Payment is cash or bank transfer; confirm methods when booking.
The refuge holds 40 beds split across rooms for 2 to 6 people. Half-board includes a solid mountain dinner and breakfast; packed lunches are available. The kitchen produces proper meals, not token fare. There are no showers. Cell reception is patchy. The hut operates mid-June through mid-September, with opening dependent on snow conditions. Winter closes it completely.
Call ahead to book and confirm the approach is clear of snow. July and August fill fast—call at least a month ahead if you want guaranteed space. The refuge fills on weekends year-round. Single nights are possible but less common; plan for 2-night stays to make logistics worthwhile. Payment is cash or bank transfer; confirm methods when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead in July and August, earlier if you're going on a weekend or during Italian holidays. Call the hut directly or check rifugio.net for availability.
The hut operates from June through September, with full staffing from mid-July when snow clears; expect reduced capacity and services in June and early July.
Start from the road end near Cogne in the Lillaz valley and follow the Cascata di Lilliaz trail for 3 to 4 hours to reach the hut at 2,570m; the approach is steep and rocky in sections.
Half-board includes dinner and breakfast; the hut has 40 beds in rooms of 2 to 6 people. Confirm shower availability when you book, as water can be limited at this altitude.
It suits fit hikers comfortable with steep, rocky terrain and altitude, but the exposed 3–4 hour approach and exposed routes into Gran Paradiso are not ideal for young children or inexperienced walkers.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- 40
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +33 6 61 86 50 43
- Website
- https://lerefugedespres.com