Rifugio Col de Varda
1.2About
Rifugio Col de Varda sits at 2,115m on the Col de Varda pass in the Maritimes, between the Vésubie and Tinée valleys. Approach from the west via the GR5 trail from Refuge de la Madone de Fenestre (2,365m), a descent of 250m and 1.5 hours. From the east, hike up from Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage in about 4 hours. The pass itself marks the border between Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Piedmont, Italy.
The refuge operates year-round and sleeps 25 people in shared dormitories. The kitchen provides half-board meals (dinner and breakfast included) and packed lunches on request. Water comes from a spring on the col. There's no electricity—bring a headtorch. Mobile signal is reliable. The hut serves as a key waypoint for long-distance hikers linking the Madone valley to the Italian Ligurian trails, and works as a base for day walks across alpine meadows and limestone ridges.
Book directly by email or phone. July and August fill early; reserve 8 weeks ahead for these months. Spring (May–June) and autumn (September–October) are quieter but equally rewarding. Arrive before 18:00 to secure an evening meal. Winter access depends on snow conditions—contact ahead if planning a cold-season visit.
The refuge operates year-round and sleeps 25 people in shared dormitories. The kitchen provides half-board meals (dinner and breakfast included) and packed lunches on request. Water comes from a spring on the col. There's no electricity—bring a headtorch. Mobile signal is reliable. The hut serves as a key waypoint for long-distance hikers linking the Madone valley to the Italian Ligurian trails, and works as a base for day walks across alpine meadows and limestone ridges.
Book directly by email or phone. July and August fill early; reserve 8 weeks ahead for these months. Spring (May–June) and autumn (September–October) are quieter but equally rewarding. Arrive before 18:00 to secure an evening meal. Winter access depends on snow conditions—contact ahead if planning a cold-season visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead for July and August; contact by email or phone directly with the hut.
Rifugio Col de Varda operates year-round, though staffing and conditions vary seasonally—confirm availability before winter visits.
From the west via GR5 from Refuge de la Madone de Fenestre (1.5 hours, 250m descent); from the east via Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage (4 hours uphill).
Half-board available; sleeps 25 in shared dormitories with basic amenities typical of mountain refuges.
Yes for the west approach (easy 1.5-hour descent from Madone de Fenestre), but the 4-hour east approach is more demanding; choose your route based on fitness.
Location
46.5711, 12.2668
Need a hotel nearby?
Staying in Veneto before or after your hike? Compare hotels on Booking.com.
Search hotels in VenetoBooked through Booking.com — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. More
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
1.2
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +39 0435 39041
- Website
- http://www.rifugiocoldevarda.it
Activities
Featured in Guides
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.