Refuge Ottorino Mezzalama
1.7Rifugio Ottorino Mezzalama
3,036m
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Rifugio Ottorino Mezzalama sits at 3,036m on the northeast ridge of Gran Paradiso, in Valle d'Aosta. Reach it from Pont in 5–6 hours via the Grivola valley, or from Ceresole Reale in 4–5 hours via the Orco valley. Both routes gain roughly 1,400m and cross high pasture before steep scree. Snow persists into July on the higher stretches.
The hut holds 36 beds across shared dormitories. Meals are available; book dinner and breakfast when you reserve. Water comes from snowmelt and springs. The refuge operates June through September, weather permitting. It sits on the main approach to Gran Paradiso (4,061m) and serves mountaineers attempting the peak in a single push from lower elevations, as well as trekkers crossing the Gran Paradiso massif.
Contact CAI Sezione di Torino directly by phone to reserve. Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead for July and August. The hut is busy weekends year-round and fully booked most days in peak season. Arrive with cash for any purchases beyond meals. The refuge is unstaffed in winter; check conditions before attempting an off-season visit.
The hut holds 36 beds across shared dormitories. Meals are available; book dinner and breakfast when you reserve. Water comes from snowmelt and springs. The refuge operates June through September, weather permitting. It sits on the main approach to Gran Paradiso (4,061m) and serves mountaineers attempting the peak in a single push from lower elevations, as well as trekkers crossing the Gran Paradiso massif.
Contact CAI Sezione di Torino directly by phone to reserve. Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead for July and August. The hut is busy weekends year-round and fully booked most days in peak season. Arrive with cash for any purchases beyond meals. The refuge is unstaffed in winter; check conditions before attempting an off-season visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead for summer weekends, earlier if you're targeting July or August. Contact the hut directly by phone or check rifugio.net and cai.it for availability and reservation options.
The hut typically opens in June and closes in September, depending on snow conditions—snow often lingers into July on the higher approaches. Confirm opening dates before planning your trip, as high-altitude rifugi can close early if conditions deteriorate.
From Pont: 5–6 hours via the Grivola valley; from Ceresole Reale: 4–5 hours via the Orco valley. Both routes gain roughly 1,400m through high pasture and steep scree, so start early and be prepared for scrambling and snow if you're going before late July.
The hut serves dinner and breakfast (must be booked when you reserve); 36 beds in shared dormitories; water from snowmelt and springs. Showers are limited due to water scarcity at altitude—plan accordingly.
No—it's rated technical access and sits at 3,036m on Gran Paradiso's northeast ridge, making it suitable only for experienced hikers and mountaineers comfortable with high altitude, scree, and potential snow. Families and beginners should choose lower huts in the Gran Paradiso region.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- 36
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +39 0125 307226
- Website