Rifugio Col d'la Tenda
2.9About
Rifugio Col d'la Tenda sits at 1950m on the Col d'la Tenda pass, straddling the French-Italian border in the Maritime Alps. The hut is a full day's walk from either side. From the French village of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, expect 5-6 hours of steady climbing via the Vallée de la Cayolle. The Italian approach from Chiusa di Pesio takes similar time. Both routes follow well-marked paths with moderate elevation gain.
The rifugio is a working mountain pass hut, small and simple. It has capacity for around 30 people in basic dorm rooms. Meals focus on hearty pasta and stews—order ahead if you want dinner. The hut operates June through September, weather dependent. Water comes from a mountain spring. There's no shower and electricity is limited. The location makes it ideal for walkers traversing between the Vallée de la Cayolle and the Pesio Valley, or for day trips to higher ridges above 2500m.
Contact the hut directly by phone (best in summer) or email to book a bed. July and August fill quickly—book 4-6 weeks ahead for these months. June and September have more availability. The hut prefers dinner reservations 24 hours in advance. Staff speak French, Italian, and basic English.
The rifugio is a working mountain pass hut, small and simple. It has capacity for around 30 people in basic dorm rooms. Meals focus on hearty pasta and stews—order ahead if you want dinner. The hut operates June through September, weather dependent. Water comes from a mountain spring. There's no shower and electricity is limited. The location makes it ideal for walkers traversing between the Vallée de la Cayolle and the Pesio Valley, or for day trips to higher ridges above 2500m.
Contact the hut directly by phone (best in summer) or email to book a bed. July and August fill quickly—book 4-6 weeks ahead for these months. June and September have more availability. The hut prefers dinner reservations 24 hours in advance. Staff speak French, Italian, and basic English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2-3 months ahead for July and August; the hut is small with limited beds.
Open June to September, staffed daily during this period.
5-6 hours from Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage (France) or Chiusa di Pesio (Italy) via well-marked paths with moderate climbing.
Basic meals available; limited beds and simple dormitory accommodation with no shower facilities.
Yes, if you're fit for a full day's hike—the routes are well-marked with moderate rather than steep climbing.
Location
46.6049, 12.4511
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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.
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2.9
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