Refuge du Col de la Croix du Bonhomme
1.9
2,443m
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Refuge du Col de la Croix du Bonhomme sits at 2443m on the border between the Graian Alps and the Mont-Blanc range, in the heart of Valle d'Aosta. It marks a major junction of hiking routes: the Tour du Mont-Blanc passes directly through here, and multiple GR long-distance trails converge on the col. Reach the hut in 3 hours from Nantey (parking at road-end) via an obvious trail through the Nant Borran valley. From Bionnassay refuge to the north, it takes 4 hours. From Tré-la-Tête on the southern side, allow 3.5 hours.
The refuge operates as a full-service mountain hut with 99 beds across shared dorm rooms. Hot showers and flush toilets are available—standard comfort for a high-traffic Alpine hub. Kitchen serves half-board meals (compulsory dinner and breakfast in summer). The hut opens mid-June through late September, with shoulder weekends possible outside this window depending on staffing. Water comes from a spring on the col; the facility has backup supplies.
This refuge books out in July and August, especially mid-July through mid-August. Phone the hut directly to check bed availability and reserve. Book 6–8 weeks ahead if hiking the Tour du Mont-Blanc during peak season. The refuge sits on a heavily-used route, so arrive early in the day if dropping in without reservation.
The refuge operates as a full-service mountain hut with 99 beds across shared dorm rooms. Hot showers and flush toilets are available—standard comfort for a high-traffic Alpine hub. Kitchen serves half-board meals (compulsory dinner and breakfast in summer). The hut opens mid-June through late September, with shoulder weekends possible outside this window depending on staffing. Water comes from a spring on the col; the facility has backup supplies.
This refuge books out in July and August, especially mid-July through mid-August. Phone the hut directly to check bed availability and reserve. Book 6–8 weeks ahead if hiking the Tour du Mont-Blanc during peak season. The refuge sits on a heavily-used route, so arrive early in the day if dropping in without reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season (July-August), especially if you're on the Tour du Mont-Blanc route. Call the refuge directly using the phone contact provided, or check rifugio.net and cai.it for online booking options.
Most huts at this elevation in Valle d'Aosta open from June through September, with peak staffing July-August; confirm exact dates by calling ahead, as snow conditions can affect opening dates.
From Nantey parking area, it's 3 hours via the Nant Borran valley trail; from Bionnassay to the north, 4 hours; the hut sits right on the Tour du Mont-Blanc route at 2443m.
The refuge serves dinner and breakfast (standard Italian hut fare); with 99 beds it's larger than most alpine huts, so hot showers are typically available, but confirm comfort level expectations when booking.
The 3-hour approach from Nantey is reasonable for fit hikers, but the 2443m elevation and exposed col location make it better suited to experienced mountain walkers rather than beginners; families with older kids comfortable on mountain terrain will manage fine.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 99
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Showers
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Flush toilets
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +33 4 79 07 05 28
- Website
- https://refugecroixdubonhomme.ffcam.fr/