Vittorio Sella Mountain Hut
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
From Valnontey (1,666 m), a hamlet of Cogne, follow the Alta Via No. 2 (or No. 18) trail, crossing the bridge over the stream and passing the plateau of the Paradisia Alpine Botanical Garden. Continue through the woods along a mule track with wide hairpin bends until you reach the plateaus of the Lauson valley and the mountain hut.
Summer access routes
From Valnontey (1,666 m): T2 – 2h 30’ - (900m elevation gain)
Winter access routes
Snowshoeing
From Valnontey (1,666m): WT2 – 3h00' -
Ski mountaineering
From Valnontey (1,666m): BS – 3h00' – – on the first section, proceed on foot with skis on your shoulders
Introduction
The Vittorio Sella Mountain Hut stands at an altitude of 2,579 metres in the Lauson cirque, in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park, in the Aosta Valley. It is part of the Graian Alps and is run by the Biella branch of the Italian Alpine Club. It is named after Vittorio Sella (1859–1943), a pioneer of high-mountain photography, and forms a stop on the Aosta Valley High Route No. 2.
Description
The refuge stands on the site of an ancient hunting lodge built in 1860 for the royal hunting expeditions of Victor Emmanuel II, one of five hunting lodges constructed in the area. The current complex comprises two brick-built structures, the older of which – converted from the original hunting lodge – is now used as a winter lounge.
Due to its aspect, the Lauson cirque maintains a stable snow cover from November to May, making the refuge a popular base for both summer hiking and spring ski touring. The refuge lies entirely within the Gran Paradiso National Park, one of Italy’s oldest protected areas, and serves as one of the main bases for ascents of the Gran Paradiso massif on the Cogne side.
Climbs
Grivola (3,969 m)
Gran Serra (3,552m)
Punta Bianca della Grivola (3,793m)
Punta Nera della Grivola (3,683 m)
Punta Rossa della Grivola (3,630 m)
Punta del Tuf (3,393 m)
Traverses
Federico Chabod mountain hut (2,750 m) – via Col Lauson and the Passage du Grand Neyron
Hikes
Casolari dell'Herbetet
Laghetti del Lauson
Information
Altitude: 2,579 m
Ownership: Italian Alpine Club, Biella branch
Manager: Soc. Lauzon (Adelina Cavagnet, Jean Mappelli, Mappelli Maurizio)
Sleeping capacity: 150
Winter lounge: yes – 11 seats
Opening period: 20 March – 3 May and 30 May – 20 September
Water: in front of the refuge
Lighting: electric
Toilets: inside
Wi-Fi: not available
Device charging: not available
Contact details
Telephone: +39 0165 74310
Email: info@rifugiosella.com
Official website: https://www.rifugiosella.com