Refuge du Théodule
1.0Rifugio Teodulo
3,317m
Valle d'Aosta, Italy
About
Rifugio Teodulo sits at 3,317m on the border between Italy and Switzerland, directly below the Breithorn (4,164m). Reach it from Cervinia in 2.5 hours via the Valtournanche Valley, or from Switzerland via the Theodul Glacier in 3 hours. The approach is steep but non-technical. Most climbers use the hut as a base for Breithorn ascents or as a waypoint on the Haute Route.
The refuge holds 60 beds across basic dormitories. Staff serve evening meals and breakfast; bring your own lunch or order packed meals ahead. Water comes from the glacier melt. Solar panels and a small generator power essential systems—expect no electricity in rooms and basic heating. The hut operates July through September, closing earlier if snow and crevasse conditions worsen on the glacier approaches. A warden lives on-site year-round but the hut does not reliably open outside summer.
Book 4–6 weeks ahead for July and August. Contact the hut directly by email or phone. The Breithorn climb starts before dawn, so arrive the day before. Bring a headlamp, crampons, and an ice axe. The hut supplies rope and harnesses if you book in advance. Phone signal is unreliable; email confirmation matters. The hut does not accept credit cards—bring cash in euros or Swiss francs.
The refuge holds 60 beds across basic dormitories. Staff serve evening meals and breakfast; bring your own lunch or order packed meals ahead. Water comes from the glacier melt. Solar panels and a small generator power essential systems—expect no electricity in rooms and basic heating. The hut operates July through September, closing earlier if snow and crevasse conditions worsen on the glacier approaches. A warden lives on-site year-round but the hut does not reliably open outside summer.
Book 4–6 weeks ahead for July and August. Contact the hut directly by email or phone. The Breithorn climb starts before dawn, so arrive the day before. Bring a headlamp, crampons, and an ice axe. The hut supplies rope and harnesses if you book in advance. Phone signal is unreliable; email confirmation matters. The hut does not accept credit cards—bring cash in euros or Swiss francs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 months ahead for summer weekends, especially July-August when climbers target the Breithorn. Call the hut directly or check rifugio.net for availability.
Open June through September depending on snow conditions; the Theodul Glacier approach may close earlier in the season. Confirm current staffing status before your trip.
From Cervinia: 2.5 hours via Valtournanche Valley on a steep but non-technical trail. From Switzerland: 3 hours crossing the Theodul Glacier (requires glacier experience and crampons).
Dinner and breakfast included with your bed; bring your own lunch or order a packed lunch. 60 beds in basic dormitories; water available but no showers.
No—the 3,317m elevation and steep approach suit experienced hikers and mountaineers only. It's primarily a base for Breithorn climbers and Haute Route trekkers, not beginners.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 60
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +39 166 94 94 00
- Website
- https://www.cervinia.it/