Refuge Francesco Gonella
0.8Rifugio Francesco Gonella
3,073m
Valais, Switzerland
About
Rifugio Francesco Gonella sits at 3,073m on the Gran Paradiso massif in Italy's Aosta Valley, close to the Swiss border. Reach it from the village of Cogne in about 5 hours on foot. The trail climbs steadily through alpine pasture and rocky terrain. Most climbers use this hut as a base for Gran Paradiso (4,061m), which takes 4–5 hours from the refuge.
The CAI-managed refuge has 24 beds spread across a few rooms. Meals are available: a hot dinner and basic breakfast are standard, and packed lunches can be arranged. There's a small bar. Water comes from a nearby spring. The hut is open from June to September, with peak traffic in July and August when conditions on Gran Paradiso are most reliable. The refuge operates year-round for winter mountaineers, but staffing is variable.
Book directly by phone well ahead for summer weekends and all of July–August. The refuge fills fast during this period. Call ahead to confirm current staffing and opening status, especially for shoulder seasons. Half-board (bed, dinner, breakfast) is the standard arrangement. The hut accepts cash and card payments.
The CAI-managed refuge has 24 beds spread across a few rooms. Meals are available: a hot dinner and basic breakfast are standard, and packed lunches can be arranged. There's a small bar. Water comes from a nearby spring. The hut is open from June to September, with peak traffic in July and August when conditions on Gran Paradiso are most reliable. The refuge operates year-round for winter mountaineers, but staffing is variable.
Book directly by phone well ahead for summer weekends and all of July–August. The refuge fills fast during this period. Call ahead to confirm current staffing and opening status, especially for shoulder seasons. Half-board (bed, dinner, breakfast) is the standard arrangement. The hut accepts cash and card payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead, especially for July and August; call the hut directly to confirm availability and arrange your stay.
The hut is typically staffed from late June through September, depending on snow conditions and demand.
Start from Cogne village and hike 5 hours via alpine pasture and rocky terrain to reach the hut at 3,073m.
Hot dinner and basic breakfast are included; packed lunches can be arranged. There are 24 beds across shared rooms; showers are limited at this elevation.
No—the 5-hour approach and 3,073m altitude require solid fitness and hill-walking experience; it's primarily a base for Gran Paradiso climbers, not a casual hikers' hut.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Season
- –
- Total
- 24
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +39 0165 885101;+39 339 5849608;+39 340 4065672
- Website
- http://www.rifugiogonella.com/