Refugio pastore
3.9
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
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About
Refugio Pastore sits at 2,595m in the Gran Paradiso massif, on the eastern flank of the Val di Rhêmes. The hut lies on the main approach to Gran Paradiso (4,061m) and serves as a natural base for climbers and trekkers crossing the high plateaus. From Pont, drive to the Rhêmes-Notre-Dame parking area and walk 3 hours to the hut via a steady trail that gains 800m. The route passes through alpine meadow before climbing scree and rock to the hut's terrace.
The rifugio holds 60 beds in simple rooms of 2–4 people. The kitchen serves good Valle d'Aosta cooking: pasta, polenta, and locally sourced meat. Water comes from snowmelt; showers are cold. The hut operates year-round but is busiest from June to September. Winter access requires ski mountaineering skills and avalanche awareness. SAT (Italian Alpine Club of Valle d'Aosta) manages the hut and maintains the trails.
Book directly by phone or email in May for July and August weekends. The hut fills quickly during the Gran Paradiso climbing season. Expect the hut to be quiet midweek even in summer. Half-board is standard; bring cash for any extras. Cell signal is unreliable—call ahead if your arrival will be after dark.
The rifugio holds 60 beds in simple rooms of 2–4 people. The kitchen serves good Valle d'Aosta cooking: pasta, polenta, and locally sourced meat. Water comes from snowmelt; showers are cold. The hut operates year-round but is busiest from June to September. Winter access requires ski mountaineering skills and avalanche awareness. SAT (Italian Alpine Club of Valle d'Aosta) manages the hut and maintains the trails.
Book directly by phone or email in May for July and August weekends. The hut fills quickly during the Gran Paradiso climbing season. Expect the hut to be quiet midweek even in summer. Half-board is standard; bring cash for any extras. Cell signal is unreliable—call ahead if your arrival will be after dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends and July-August, especially if you're climbing Gran Paradiso the next day. Use rifugio.net or contact the hut directly via cai.it for availability.
Open June through September, fully staffed during this period. Weather can close access in early June and after mid-September.
Drive to Rhêmes-Notre-Dame parking area from Pont, then hike 3 hours on a well-marked trail gaining 800m through alpine meadow and scree to the hut at 2,595m.
60 beds in simple shared rooms, hot meals at dinner and breakfast, and basic water/toilet facilities; no showers but you can wash in cold water.
The 3-hour approach is manageable for fit families with hiking experience, but the altitude and steep scree climbing near the hut make it better for intermediate hikers; it's primarily a mountaineer's base for Gran Paradiso.
Location
45.8836, 7.9286
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Don't forget to book
This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
3.9
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Total
- 40
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Activities
Featured In
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