Duca degli Abruzzi - L'Oriondé

The Oriondé-Duca degli Abruzzi mountain hut was built in 1929 by Amato Maquignaz as a place of rest and shelter for mountaineers preparing to tackle the ascent of the Matterhorn.
Situated at 2,810 m., it was built on the plateau/promontory known as Oriondé by the local people. Hence the refuge’s original name; it was also named Duca degli Abruzzi in honour of the Italian explorer and mountaineer Luigi Amedeo di Savoia.
After several years of closure, the Maquignaz family finally decided to renovate it, retaining its original shape and appearance but completely transforming the interior: no longer dormitories, but rooms for 2 or 4 people with private bathrooms.

It is mandatory to use a sleeping bag liner also available for purchase on site

How to get there

On foot: 

• from Cervinia via trail n. 13, which starts in the village near the tennis courts. The trail follows and cuts across a dirt track (not accessible by car), making it the easiest route in terms of difficulty.
  Difficulty: E excursion route
  Elevation gain: 800 m
  Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
  
  
• from Cervinia via trail n. 11, which begins once you have passed the underpass near the golf course car park, continuing towards the Baita delle Mucche. On the right, there is a small bridge leading onto the trail.  After about 30 minutes, you’ll reach a plateau with a fork in the path. From here, turn right onto trail n. 65 and continue to the refuge. This is a more varied route following a more challenging mountain path that crosses pastures, moraines and streams.
  Difficulty: E excursion route
  Elevation gain: 800 m.
  Duration: 3 hours

By Lifts:
Check that the lifts are open before planning your trip.

Take the cable car from Cervinia to Plan-Maison (2.500 m.). Upon exiting the cable car, turn left and follow path n. 65 to the refuge (2.810 m). This is the shortest route; it is a path that crosses moraines and involves crossing a few small streams. Trekking poles are recommended.
Difficulty: Easy hiking
Elevation gain: 300 m.
Duration: 1h20