Walter Bonatti

The Walter Bonatti Mountain Hut (2,025 m) is a real gem nestled at the foot of the imposing Grandes Jorasses, facing the spectacular Fréboudze Glacier. The mountain hut is situated on the Alta Via n.1 trail and the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) route.

Born out of a story of passion for the mountains, friendship and shared dreams, the Walter Bonatti Refuge, inaugurated on 1 August 1998, is a typical Alpine stone and timber building, perfectly integrated into the surrounding landscape. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama stretching from Col Ferret to Col de la Seigne, offering a sense of wonder in every season.

Inside, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming: the dining room, furnished with traditional wooden furniture and adorned with elegant arrangements of dried flowers, is made even more charming in winter by the warmth of a large tiled stove.

A range of accommodation options is available, from cosy double rooms to six-bed rooms, right through to spacious dormitories. The rooms, all with splendid views of the mountains, are named after the peak they overlook.

At mealtimes, you can savour the authentic flavours of the Aosta Valley, with traditional dishes and typical local wines. On fine days, these specialities can also be enjoyed al fresco, seated at wooden tables on the lawn in front of the refuge.

The Bonatti Refuge also participates in the EEteam project, dedicated to the sustainable management of alpine refuges, demonstrating a concrete commitment to environmental protection.

How to get there in summer

On foot: 

Start from La Remisa (1,695 m). Once past the hairpin bends after Lavachey, just before the bridge, take path n. 27/28 on the right. The path winds its way up through dense coniferous woodland until you reach a junction with yellow signposts indicating a left turn. Here, the path narrows, leaves the woodland and climbs through meadows, from where you can begin to catch a glimpse of the refuge’s roof.
Difficulty: E excursion route
Elevation gain: 332 m.
Duration: 1 hour

How to get there in winter

Ski mountaineering/snowshoeing: start from Planpincieux (1.583 m) using the footpath on compacted snow to Lavachey. From here, follow the summer path leading to the refuge. The route is characterised by a panorama that becomes increasingly spectacular.
Elevation gain: 332 m.
Duration: 3h00