Refuge du Col du Palet
1.5
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Rifugio Col del Palet sits at 2,589m on the col between Mont Blanc massif and Gran Paradiso. Reach it from Cogne in 4 hours via the Valnontey valley, a steady climb through larch forest then alpine meadow. The final stretch crosses scree to the pass. Most parties approach from the south; the northern approach from France is less common but viable with good weather and route-finding skills.
The rifugio has 40 beds across several rooms, with mixed and single-sex options. Meals are substantial—expect hearty pasta and local Valle d'Aosta specialities. Full board or half board available. Hot showers are reliable. The kitchen can manage vegetarian requests with notice. Open June through September; outside these months contact ahead as staffing varies. The hut sits on the boundary of Gran Paradiso National Park, so regulations on camping and group sizes apply.
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August. Email ahead first to check availability and discuss meal preferences. Phone calls work but email ensures a written record. The hut fills quickly during settled weather weekends. If you're climbing Mont Blanc or doing the Gran Paradiso circuit, this is a natural staging post—but don't assume beds on arrival. Groups larger than 8 should contact the guardian well in advance.
The rifugio has 40 beds across several rooms, with mixed and single-sex options. Meals are substantial—expect hearty pasta and local Valle d'Aosta specialities. Full board or half board available. Hot showers are reliable. The kitchen can manage vegetarian requests with notice. Open June through September; outside these months contact ahead as staffing varies. The hut sits on the boundary of Gran Paradiso National Park, so regulations on camping and group sizes apply.
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August. Email ahead first to check availability and discuss meal preferences. Phone calls work but email ensures a written record. The hut fills quickly during settled weather weekends. If you're climbing Mont Blanc or doing the Gran Paradiso circuit, this is a natural staging post—but don't assume beds on arrival. Groups larger than 8 should contact the guardian well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–4 weeks ahead during peak season (July–August); weekends fill faster. Call the rifugio directly using the phone contact, or check rifugio.net and cai.it for availability and online booking options.
Typically open June through September, with July–August as peak season; staffing and availability drop significantly outside these months. Confirm current dates directly with the rifugio before planning.
From Cogne, take the Valnontey valley trail—4 hours steady climbing through larch forest and alpine meadow, finishing with a scree crossing to the 2,589m col. The French approach from the north is viable but requires good weather and solid route-finding.
40 beds in mixed and single-sex rooms; substantial meals provided. Confirm whether showers and laundry are available by calling ahead, as facilities vary.
The 4-hour climb with steady gradient and scree scramble suits hikers with basic mountain fitness, not absolute beginners. Families with hiking experience and children aged 10+ can manage it; younger kids may struggle with the final scree section and altitude.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Season
- –
- Total
- 40
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 6 70 46 92 35
- Website
- https://refuge-coldupalet.vanoise.com