Demanding
About
Bivacco Col Mandro sits at 1,844m on the Col Mandro pass in the Maritime Alps, on the border between Italy and France. Reach it from the Valle Gesso side in Italy via the Pian della Casa trailhead near Cuneo. The approach takes 4–5 hours on a steep, exposed trail that gains 1,100m elevation. The final approach crosses scree and requires scrambling experience. This is not a casual day walk.
The bivouac is a basic mountain shelter with 8 beds across two small rooms. Expect no heating, no showers, and no meals—bring a stove and your own food. Drinking water is available from a spring near the shelter. The hut sits on the main ridge linking Cuneo's peaks to the Ligurian Apennines, making it ideal for multi-day mountaineering traverses. Summer is the only viable season; winter access is dangerous and requires serious winter mountaineering skills.
This is an unmanned shelter. There are no booking requirements and no fees, though you should report any damage or maintenance issues to the local CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) section. Bring a headtorch, a good sleeping bag rated for cold mountain nights, and be entirely self-sufficient. Cell reception is unreliable. Come prepared to be alone on the ridge.
The bivouac is a basic mountain shelter with 8 beds across two small rooms. Expect no heating, no showers, and no meals—bring a stove and your own food. Drinking water is available from a spring near the shelter. The hut sits on the main ridge linking Cuneo's peaks to the Ligurian Apennines, making it ideal for multi-day mountaineering traverses. Summer is the only viable season; winter access is dangerous and requires serious winter mountaineering skills.
This is an unmanned shelter. There are no booking requirements and no fees, though you should report any damage or maintenance issues to the local CAI (Club Alpino Italiano) section. Bring a headtorch, a good sleeping bag rated for cold mountain nights, and be entirely self-sufficient. Cell reception is unreliable. Come prepared to be alone on the ridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the hut manager 2-3 months ahead during peak season (July–August); this is a small 8-bed bivacco so availability is tight.
Typically June to October, though confirm current status with the manager before your trip as staffing varies.
Start from Pian della Casa trailhead near Cuneo on the Valle Gesso side; the approach is 4–5 hours with 1,100m elevation gain on steep, exposed terrain ending in scree and scrambling.
Basic bivacco with 8 beds, drinking water, no heating, no showers, no meals—bring your own food and sleeping bag.
No; the final approach requires scrambling experience and comfort on exposed, steep ground—this is for mountaineers and experienced hill walkers only.
Location
46.3721, 12.0015
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HutLists Score
2.9
Overall
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Quick Facts
- Season
- Year-round
- Total
- 8
Facilities
Drinking water
Activities
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