🏔️ Hiking & Staying in Mountain Huts, Rifugio & Bivouacs in Val di Susa

Biv. Sigot

For mountain lovers, one of the most rewarding ways to explore Val di Susa is by hiking into the high trails and spending the night in a rifugio (mountain hut) or bivacco (bivouac shelter). These unique overnight stays let you experience the wild Italian Alps up close — sunrise over the peaks, starlit skies, and the quiet of the mountains after the day hikers have gone.

Best of all? Many of the bivouacs are free, simple shelters maintained by volunteers, alpine clubs, or local councils.

What’s the Difference Between a Rifugio and a Bivacco?

• Rifugio: A staffed mountain hut (sometimes only in summer) that may serve meals, drinks, and provide beds. In Piedmont, some rifugi are free or very low-cost, but many operate with small fees to support upkeep.

• Bivacco: A basic, unmanned shelter. Think of it as a mountain bothy — usually just bunks, blankets, and four walls. No services, so you’ll need to bring food, water, and a sleeping bag.

Both are designed to give hikers a safe, simple place to rest in the mountains.

Top Places to Stay in Val di Susa Mountains 🏕️

Here are a few highlights for adventurous hikers:

⛰️ Bivacco Sigot (Claviere / Monti della Luna)

• Altitude: ~2,100m

• A bright red bivouac hut with around 8 sleeping spaces.

• Perfect for hikers exploring the Monti della Luna on the border of Italy and France.

• Views stretch over to Montgenèvre and into the French Alps.

🏔️ Bivacco Luigi Vaccarone (Valle Stretta)

• Altitude: ~2,740m

• A high-altitude bivouac near Bardonecchia, offering an incredible overnight experience for more experienced hikers.

• Wooden bunks inside — bring your own sleeping bag.

• Ideal for accessing rocky ridges and alpine lakes at sunrise.

🌄 Rifugio Levi-Molinari (near Exilles)

• Altitude: ~1,850m

• A family-friendly rifugio, accessible by car (in summer) or an easy hike.

• Offers food, drinks, and beds — great for those wanting a taste of rifugio life without a demanding hike.

Hiking in Val di Susa: Why Stay Overnight?

• Sunrise & Sunset Views: Watch the colours shift across the Alps from your hut doorstep.

• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the skies here are stunning — you’ll see the Milky Way clearly on cloudless nights.

• Wildlife Encounters: Early mornings are the best time to spot chamois, ibex, marmots, and golden eagles.

• Deeper Connection: Spending a night in the mountains lets you experience Val di Susa at its wildest and most peaceful.

What to Know Before You Go ⚠️

• Bring Essentials: Sleeping bag, food, water, head torch. Most bivouacs do not have electricity or running water and it can get really cold in the mountains, even in summer.

• Leave No Trace: Carry out all your rubbish — these huts are volunteer-maintained.

• Check Weather: Conditions can change quickly at altitude. Don't be those hikers who get hypothermia half way through the night!

• Maps & Routes: Pick up detailed hiking maps in Oulx or Sauze d’Oulx before setting out, or check out some of our favourite routes on Komoot for hiking and biking suggestions.

The Perfect Base Before or After Your Adventure 🏠

After a night in a bivouac, there’s nothing better than a hot shower, a real bed, and a proper kitchen. That’s why many hikers use The Hideaway Apartments as their base — either before setting out on a multi-day hike or afterwards to recover in comfort.

Located in Borgata San Marco, Sauze d’Oulx, The Hideaway is just minutes from the Gran Bosco and a short drive to trailheads across Val di Susa.

👉 Book your stay at The Hideaway and balance your wild mountain nights with comfort and convenience.

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