In Val Grande there are few mountain huts, with a limited number of beds each, to welcome hikers. In many cases they are quite spartan shelters in mountain huts which have been recovered and perfectly fit the natural environment of the valley. Some huts have not been renovated yet, and they can be used only in case of emergency. Their state also depends on you.
It is always advisable to call the Authorities or Associations owning the mountain huts and bivouacs, to be sure of their availability and of the number of available beds.
Alpine Huts
Alpine huts are attended buildings equipped with mattresses and blankets, where it is possible to ask the keeper for board. They may not be open all the year round.
Rifugio del Parco
Loc. Alpe Parpinasca
Manager: Montagna e Natura srl
Tel. 0324.248941
mobile 333.5708652 info@montagnaenatura.it www.montagnaenatura.it
22 beds with winter shelter
Catering service.
Rifugio Pian Cavallone Loc. Pian Cavallone
Manager: Coop. Soc. La Coccinella
Tel. and Fax 0323/405008 - mobile 349/2127830
36 beds. During the winter you can always use the winter shelter downstream the mountain hut.
The Park Bivouacs are constantly open but unattended buildings (except the bivouac Pian Vadà, where it is necessary to previously contact the Park Authority for the keys), all provided with wood-burning stove for heating and cooking. Wood should be used sparingly, thinking about the hikers that will come after you and those using the bivouac duing rainy days or in the coldest months. If possible, we also invite you to increase the wood supply collecting branches and trunks you find on the ground in the woodland and bringing them inside the bivouac, in order to guarantee a minimum quantity of dry wood. It is essential to bring sleeping bag, food and (when necessary) water. You will find information on the nearest springs in each bivouac. Since the availability of water depends on the springs flow, it might not be guaranteed.
Pian Vadà 1,711m
Structure open for hikers, by previously collecting the keys from the Park Authority Offices Tel. 0324.87540 (from Monday to Friday, office hours), mobile 329/3177629 (Park Authority) also Saturday and holidays - info@parcovalgrande.it
Colma di Premosello 1,728m It is the “western gateway” to Val Grande, the border between two different worlds: the noises and industries of the bottom of the valley and the silence of Val Grande.
Steep path from Colloro - alpe Lut, 2.30 hours
Sleeps 5 / 7 (plank floor)
Water available (outdoor fountain)
Alpe Ragozzale 1,906m It is in a summer pasture at the top of a wild deep valley. The mountain dwellers opened “a door” in the rocks to create a passage for cows. Today, getting there is still an adventure.
Long and difficult path from Trontano, 5 hours, difference in height 1,390m. Difficulty level: EE.
Sleeps 5 / 7 (plank floor and camp beds)
Water available 50m downstream the bivouac
Alpe Scaredi 1,841m It is the “eastern gateway” to upper Val Grande, the easiest way of access. Wonderful panoramas, beautiful mountains and Mt. Rosa in the distance.
Large and easy mule track from Val Loana, 2 hours
Sleeps 10 / 12 (plank floor) inside the bivouac, and 15 in the adjacent big stable.
Water available (fountain)
Bocchetta di Campo 1,994m This hut was built in 1897 by CAI Verbano as a shelter along “Sentiero Bove” itinerary, a route along Pogallo ridges. It was then recovered by the Park: one part is always open to hikers, the other is reserved to surveillance and scientific research. It is the “wild heart” of Val Grande.
Difficult path from Val Loana, 3.30 hours.
Sleeps 10 / 12 (plank floor)
Water available 150m below the hut towards Alpe Campo
Alpe Pian di Boit 1,122m Stopping place along Val Pogallo traverse, once frequented by the lumberjacks and the pilgrims travelling to Santuario di Re in Valle Vigezzo.
Very demanding path from Cicogna (3.30 hours) or from Finero
(4.30 hours).
Sleeps 4 / 6 (plank floor)
Water available (fountain)
Alpe Bondolo 1,572m From Valle del Basso, which is still frequented by the mountain dwellers from Vigezzo, a path leads to the bivouac, a stopping place along the climb to Bocchetta di Vald.
Very demanding path from Crotte (Val Loana), 4 hours.
Sleeps 25 (plank floor)
Water available 50m downstream (stream)
Alpe Ogliana 1,550m The hut rises in the basin at the foot of Colma Piana. It offers a wonderful panorama over the mountain chain dominating Villadossola, Mt. Cistella, and over Divedro and Antigorio valleys. From Beura Cardezza an uphill path leads to Alpe Corte di Sopra, where a route characterised by limited differences in height leads to Alpe Ogliana.
Long path, 4 hours from Cardezza.
Sleeps 6 / 8 (plank floor)
Water available (fountain)
UNFIT FOR USE BECAUSE OF AN AVALANCHE
Alpe In la Piana 959m (3 new huts)
Stopping place along the traverse Premosello (Valle Ossola) - Malesco
(Valle Vigezzo), which represents the most complete and best-known
hike in the heart of the valley. The route presents some demanding
stretches.
Long path, 5 hours from Fondo li Gabbi (Malesco), 6 hours from
Colloro (Premosello).
Difficulty level: E
Sleeps 10 / 15 in each hut (plank floor)
Water available (fountain)
Alpe Mottac 1,690m Situated in a panoramic position along the ridge that from Cima Testa di Menta goes downhill towards Alpi Val Gabbio and In la Piana. The building was recovered by the Park: one part is always open to hikers, while the other is a guestroom reserved to researchers and scientists. Next to it, a hut is reserved to the surveillance staff.
Path: 2 hours from Alpe Ragozzale, 2 hours from Alpe In la
Piana.
Sleeps 6 / 8 (plank floor)
Alpe Vald 1,384m You can reach it by following the path that from loc. Crotte, within the Municipality of Malesco, goes uphill to Bocchetta di Vald; from the pass, a path descends towards the homonymous Alpe, which can be easily seen 500m below. The bivouac is inside a big stable characterised by two imposing access staircases.
Demanding path, 6 hours from Crotte, 3 hours from Alpe In La Piana. Difficulty level: EE.
