About
This hut sits at 2,710m on the Colle dell'Illhorn, in the Mont Rosa massif between the Gressoney and Lys valleys. Reach it from Gressoney-La-Trinité by heading south toward Passo dei Salati, then branching east toward Colle dell'Illhorn—a 4-hour hike gaining 1,200m. The direct approach from Gressoney is steep but straightforward. Most hikers arrive from the west via the Colle Superiore delle Locce, a 3.5-hour approach from the Pila ski area.
The hut operates year-round and accommodates 30 people in dormitory rooms. It runs as a simple mountain base: half-board meals focus on hearty mountain food, though the kitchen operates seasonally with reduced service in winter months. Water is sourced from snowmelt and mountain springs. The refuge sits on the border zone between Italy and Switzerland, making it useful for ski touring, mountaineering, and high-altitude hiking in the Mont Rosa region. Winter access requires mountain skills and avalanche awareness.
Contact the hut directly by phone or email to book. July and August fill quickly—aim to reserve 2-3 months ahead. October through April sees lighter traffic but confirm opening status before travel, particularly for winter visits when staffing varies. The hut belongs to the Gressoney community and operates independently, so advance communication is essential for meal arrangements and winter visits.
The hut operates year-round and accommodates 30 people in dormitory rooms. It runs as a simple mountain base: half-board meals focus on hearty mountain food, though the kitchen operates seasonally with reduced service in winter months. Water is sourced from snowmelt and mountain springs. The refuge sits on the border zone between Italy and Switzerland, making it useful for ski touring, mountaineering, and high-altitude hiking in the Mont Rosa region. Winter access requires mountain skills and avalanche awareness.
Contact the hut directly by phone or email to book. July and August fill quickly—aim to reserve 2-3 months ahead. October through April sees lighter traffic but confirm opening status before travel, particularly for winter visits when staffing varies. The hut belongs to the Gressoney community and operates independently, so advance communication is essential for meal arrangements and winter visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season (July-September); contact the hut directly by phone for availability and reservations, as it may not be listed on major platforms like rifugio.net.
Open year-round, though staffing levels vary seasonally—confirm current status before planning winter visits, as Alpine huts often reduce staff outside summer months.
Most common route is from Pila ski area via Colle Superiore delle Locce (3.5 hours); alternatively, from Gressoney-La-Trinité heading south toward Passo dei Salati then east to Colle dell'Illhorn (4 hours, 1,200m gain).
Standard Alpine hut setup with 30 beds, hot meals, and basic lodging; confirm shower availability when booking, as mountain huts often have limited hot water.
Better for experienced hikers—the 4-hour approaches with significant elevation gain and high-altitude location (2,710m) suit confident walkers rather than casual day-trippers or young children.
Location
46.2561, 7.5971
HutLists Score
2.7
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
Facilities
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +41 78 205 80 03
- Website
- https://cabaneillhorn.ch/
Activities
Free Packing Checklist
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