Moderate
About
Rifugio Vieux Crest sits at 1,934m in the Combe di Loson valley, reached from the village of Ayas in Valle d'Aosta. The main approach is a 2–2.5 hour walk from Champoluc via the Pont Sueffaz trail. The hut serves as a solid base for day hikes across the Gressoney and Ayas valleys and connects to longer traverses toward higher refugios.
The rifugio has 40 beds split across simple shared rooms. Meals are available—half-board is standard for overnight guests. The hut stays open year-round but is most reliable June through October for mountain access. Facilities are basic and functional: no shower (washbasin and cold water available), pit toilets, and a small common area with a wood stove. Mobile signal is weak to nonexistent. The kitchen produces hearty pasta and risotto suitable for hikers.
Book by phone directly with the hut. Weekends and July–August fill quickly—contact at least 4–6 weeks ahead for summer. The hut is quieter mid-week and in shoulder seasons (May, September, early October). Confirm your arrival time when you call, as the guardians sometimes leave for resupply.
The rifugio has 40 beds split across simple shared rooms. Meals are available—half-board is standard for overnight guests. The hut stays open year-round but is most reliable June through October for mountain access. Facilities are basic and functional: no shower (washbasin and cold water available), pit toilets, and a small common area with a wood stove. Mobile signal is weak to nonexistent. The kitchen produces hearty pasta and risotto suitable for hikers.
Book by phone directly with the hut. Weekends and July–August fill quickly—contact at least 4–6 weeks ahead for summer. The hut is quieter mid-week and in shoulder seasons (May, September, early October). Confirm your arrival time when you call, as the guardians sometimes leave for resupply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book by phone directly with the rifugio at least 2–3 weeks ahead during peak summer season (July–August); shoulder months have more flexibility. Contact details are available through rifugio.net or cai.it.
It's staffed reliably from June through September; winter opening depends on snow conditions and staff availability, so confirm ahead if visiting outside summer.
From Champoluc village, take the Pont Sueffaz trail for 2–2.5 hours to reach the hut at 1,934m; this is a moderate walk with steady elevation gain.
Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is standard for overnight guests; the hut has 40 beds in shared rooms with basic facilities, but no hot showers—expect mountain hut basics.
Yes—the moderate 2–2.5 hour approach and valley-based day hikes make it accessible for fit families and hikers new to rifugios, though it's better suited to those comfortable with mountain hut conditions.
Location
45.8334, 7.7393
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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
4.8
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Total
- 40
Facilities
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +39 0125 307983
- Website
- http://www.refugevieuxcrest.com/
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.