Bivacco Colmine

Bivacco Colmine sits at 1700m in the Valais Alps, accessed from the mining village of Evolène. The approach takes 2–2.5 hours on foot, following old mining tracks and footpaths through alpine meadow. The hut lies on the Sentier des Mines (Mining Trail), making it a logical stop for hikers crossing between the Val d'Hérémence and the eastern Valais. From Evolène village, head upvalley toward Lac de Dix; the trail branches toward the hut before reaching the lake road.
Bivacco Colmine operates as a simple mountain shelter. It sleeps around 20 people in dormitory-style accommodation and has basic water access. The hut sits unmanaged, meaning there is no warden, no meals provided, and no guarantee of open bunks or maintained facilities. Bring a sleeping bag, stove fuel, and food. The hut works as a free emergency shelter or a low-cost overnight option for self-sufficient groups. Open year-round, though winter access requires mountain skills and avalanche awareness.
Book nothing—the hut operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Leave it clean and log your visit in the hut book. Check locally in Evolène whether the shelter is currently maintained. Mobile signal is unreliable at this elevation, so plan accordingly. The hut suits hikers comfortable with basic conditions and self-catering, not those expecting services.