Rifugio Walter Bonatti
5.0About
Rifugio Walter Bonatti sits at 2,025 m on the sunny southern flank of Italy's Val Ferret, above Courmayeur in the Aosta Valley, directly facing the Grandes Jorasses and the Mont Blanc massif. Privately owned and named after the legendary alpinist Walter Bonatti, it is widely regarded as the most popular overnight stop on the Italian side of the Tour du Mont Blanc, prized for its home cooking with local ingredients and one of the finest terrace views on the entire circuit. The hut sleeps around 80 guests in a mix of private rooms and dormitories, with a 7-bed winter room available off season; a sheet sleeping bag is obligatory. It is typically staffed from late May to the end of September. The shortest approach climbs from Lavachey in Val Ferret in a little over an hour on trail 28A, while TMB walkers arrive from Courmayeur via Rifugio Bertone along the spectacular Mont de la Saxe balcony path in about 4 to 4.5 hours. Non-TMB visitors can also link it with the Col Malatrà. Booking well in advance is essential in July and August, when TMB traffic fills the hut nightly.
Access Routes
From Lavachey (Val Ferret)
1h
Easy
From the La Remisa parking just above Lavachey, trail 28A climbs steadily through larch woods and alpine meadows to the hut in a little over an hour. Lavachey is served by the summer shuttle bus from Courmayeur.
From Courmayeur via Rifugio Bertone (Tour du Mont Blanc)
4h
Moderate
The classic TMB stage climbs from Courmayeur (Villair) to Rifugio Bertone, then follows the panoramic Mont de la Saxe balcony trail high above Val Ferret, facing the Grandes Jorasses the whole way.
From Arnouvaz via Val Ferret floor
2h
Moderate
TMB walkers coming from the Grand Col Ferret descend to Arnouvaz and follow the valley and balcony paths south-west to the hut, a gentle half-day link along upper Val Ferret.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book through the reservation form on the official website (rifugiobonatti.it) or contact the hut directly at [email protected] / +39 335 68 48 578. In July and August the hut fills months ahead with Tour du Mont Blanc hikers, so reserve as early as possible.
The hut is staffed roughly from late May to the end of September (the 2026 season runs 26 May to 30 September). Outside the staffed season a small winter room with 7 beds and blankets remains available.
The shortest approach starts at Lavachey in Val Ferret, reachable by road or summer shuttle bus from Courmayeur. From the parking at La Remisa just above Lavachey, trail 28A climbs through larch woods and meadows to the hut in a little over an hour.
Yes. The direct approach from Lavachey is a short, non-technical hike on a good path, making the hut one of the most accessible in the Mont Blanc area. Only the longer balcony route from Courmayeur via Rifugio Bertone requires solid fitness, and no route involves glaciers or via ferrata.
The hut serves half board with home-style cooking based on locally sourced Aosta Valley ingredients, and it runs largely on renewable energy. Accommodation is in private rooms and dormitories; a sheet sleeping bag is obligatory (rental available for about 3 euros), and dogs are only allowed in twin rooms.
Location
45.8469, 7.0337
HutLists Score
5.0
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- private
- Season
- May – September
- Beds
- 80
- Min hiking time
- 1.3h
- Nearest trailhead
- Lavachey (Val Ferret, Courmayeur)
Facilities
Showers
Breakfast
Half board
Meals served
Flush toilets
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +39 335 68 48 578
- Website
- https://www.rifugiobonatti.it/
Activities
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