Rifugio Walter Bonatti
Iconic mountain refuge on the Tour du Mont Blanc, offering unparalleled views of Mont Blanc and hearty meals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, best views
Rifugio Walter Bonatti
Best Time
Clear skies, best views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic mountain refuge on the Tour du Mont Blanc, offering unparalleled views of Mont Blanc and hearty meals.
"The location is amazing! Front view of the glacier. Rooms were big and good space to place your items."
Book Dorms or Private Rooms
Dorms can be cramped; private rooms offer more space and comfort. Book well in advance! :ticket:
Limited Hot Water Showers
Showers are timed and hot water is brief. Be prepared for a quick rinse. :shower:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mont Blanc Views
From the rifugio terrace
Wake up to breathtaking vistas of the Mont Blanc massif. A truly unforgettable mountain panorama.
The Iconic Terrace Dining
Rifugio restaurant terrace
Enjoy hearty mountain meals with an unparalleled backdrop. Perfect for a well-deserved break.
Val Ferret Hiking Trails
Surrounding Val Ferret
Access to numerous hiking routes, from gentle strolls to challenging treks, catering to all levels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Season
Prepare for Mountain Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Dorms or Private Rooms
Dorms can be cramped; private rooms offer more space and comfort. Book well in advance! :ticket:
Limited Hot Water Showers
Showers are timed and hot water is brief. Be prepared for a quick rinse. :shower:
Pack Light, Hike Smart
Bring essentials but avoid overpacking. Every gram counts on the trail! :backpack:
Enjoy the Terrace Views
The terrace offers incredible Mont Blanc views. Perfect for photos and soaking it all in. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Dorms or Private Rooms
Dorms can be cramped; private rooms offer more space and comfort. Book well in advance! :ticket:
Limited Hot Water Showers
Showers are timed and hot water is brief. Be prepared for a quick rinse. :shower:
Pack Light, Hike Smart
Bring essentials but avoid overpacking. Every gram counts on the trail! :backpack:
Enjoy the Terrace Views
The terrace offers incredible Mont Blanc views. Perfect for photos and soaking it all in. :camerawithflash:
Dinner is Hearty
Dinner portions are generous, but breakfast can be basic. Pack extra snacks if needed. :forkandknifewithplate:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rifugio Walter Bonatti boasts an unbeatable location with breathtaking Mont Blanc views, making it a highlight for many hikers. Guests praise the hearty dinners and spacious rooms. However, some find the dormitories cramped, shower facilities basic with limited hot water, and breakfast less substantial than desired. Staff interactions can also be a mixed experience.
"Location is amazing! Front view of the glacier. Rooms were big and good space to place your items. Beds were comfy. 3 toilets for 30 people is a bit tricky. Showers are good but you only get 30-60 seconds of hot water. Dinner was good. Breakfast not the most filling for hiking. Staff is quite cold and does not like answering questions."
Iulia Dragan
"Amazing location, beautiful views, good food (lunch AND dinner). Shared rooms were relatively spacious and clean. We had 10 beds in our room and each bed had a little storage space associated with it. No bunks in our room. Staff were friendly and helpful."
Jesse Vincent
"The dorms were a terrible experience, its not for everyone. I think it would have been more of a 4.5 if we had gotten private rooms. The shower lasts 20 seconds of hot, with unlimited cold. The food was plentiful for dinner, but the breakfast did kind of suck, it was just bread and cereal with some yogurt, nothing to prepare for the day. The lunch sandwich was pretty good, but overpriced for what it was"
sebastien Sibthorpe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Rifugio Walter Bonatti is by hiking. From Courmayeur, you can take a bus or drive to Lavachey in Val Ferret and then hike up trail 28A. The hike is considered moderate and offers stunning scenery. Some also arrive as part of the Tour du Mont Blanc trek. 
Yes, there is parking available in Lavachey, which is the starting point for the hike to the rifugio. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, as parking can fill up.
You can take a bus from Courmayeur to Lavachey in Val Ferret. From there, it's a hike to the rifugio. This is a great option for those who prefer not to drive or want to reduce their environmental impact.
The hike from Lavachey to Rifugio Walter Bonatti typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level. It's a scenic route with rewarding views.
Rifugio Walter Bonatti is open during the winter months, offering a cozy mountain retreat. Winter access involves snowshoeing or ski touring, and the trails can be more challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely! Rifugio Walter Bonatti is extremely popular, especially during the summer hiking season. It is highly recommended to book your dorm bed or private room well in advance to secure your spot.
The rifugio is generally open from late spring to early autumn for overnight stays and meals. For specific dates and operating hours, especially for the restaurant and bar, it's best to check their official website or contact them directly.
Yes, Rifugio Walter Bonatti offers both dormitory-style rooms with multiple beds and private rooms for individuals or small groups. Private rooms are generally more expensive but offer more comfort and privacy.
Prices vary depending on whether you book a dorm bed or a private room, and if you are a member of an alpine club. Expect to pay more for private rooms. It's best to check their official booking platform for current rates.
Yes, the rifugio typically serves lunch and drinks to day hikers and visitors who are not staying overnight. It's a fantastic spot to stop for a meal and enjoy the views.
🎫 🛏️ Onsite Experience
Showers are available but come with a time limit and very limited hot water. You'll likely get about 60 seconds of hot water, so be prepared for a quick and efficient shower. Cold water is usually unlimited. +1
The rifugio serves dinner and breakfast for overnight guests, and lunch for day visitors. Dinner is often described as hearty, with multiple courses. Breakfast can be simple, typically bread and jam, which some find insufficient for a long hiking day. +1
Charging facilities for phones and other electronics are usually available, though sometimes for a small fee. It's wise to bring a portable power bank as a backup.
The atmosphere can vary. While many find it a highlight with incredible views and good food, some reviews mention it can feel cramped, crowded, and loud, especially in the dorms. The staff are generally described as hardworking but sometimes perceived as cold. +1
Dorm rooms usually have beds with some storage space per person. Private rooms offer more space. Bedding is provided, but it's a good idea to bring your own sleeping liner for hygiene.
📸 📸 Photography
The rifugio itself, with its stunning mountain backdrop, is a prime photo spot. The terrace offers panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif and surrounding glaciers. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly magical.
Early morning and late afternoon/early evening often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The midday sun can be harsh.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the peaks and glaciers. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions. :camerawithflash:
The terrace is the main viewpoint. For different perspectives, consider short hikes around the rifugio. The trail leading up to it also offers increasingly impressive views.
Generally, yes, you can take photos inside the common areas like the dining room and lounge. However, always be respectful of other guests' privacy, especially in the dormitories.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The rifugio itself provides a unique mountain adventure, with the chance to see other hikers and enjoy the alpine environment. However, families should be prepared for the basic amenities. The limited hot water in showers and shared bathroom facilities might be challenging with very young children. Consider booking a private room if available for more comfort and space. Packing plenty of snacks and entertainment for the kids is also a good idea, as the breakfast can be quite simple.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers
While the dorms can be lively, they offer a more budget-friendly option. Solo travelers should be prepared for the shared facilities and potentially noisy nights. Bringing earplugs and a sleeping liner is highly recommended. The rifugio's location makes it a perfect point to either continue the TMB or descend to Courmayeur.
📸 Photographers & Scenery Enthusiasts
+1 The terrace provides an unparalleled vantage point for capturing these majestic landscapes. Early morning and late afternoon light are particularly stunning, offering soft, golden hues. Beyond the main rifugio, the surrounding Val Ferret offers numerous hiking trails with diverse photographic opportunities, from wildflowers in summer to snow-covered vistas in winter.
+1 Remember to pack a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the mountains and a sturdy tripod for those magical sunrise and sunset shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tour du Mont Blanc Experience
The TMB is a challenging but incredibly rewarding trek, passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. The section leading to Rifugio Walter Bonatti is known for its dramatic scenery, including glaciers and towering peaks. The rifugio itself is named after the renowned Italian mountaineer Walter Bonatti, adding a layer of historical significance to the stay.
Planning your TMB itinerary is key, and booking accommodations like Rifugio Walter Bonatti well in advance is essential, especially for the peak summer months. The experience of staying in a mountain rifugio, sharing meals with fellow hikers, and waking up to unparalleled alpine vistas is a core part of the TMB adventure.
Culinary Delights and Mountain Fare
While dinner receives generally positive reviews for its quantity and mountain-style sustenance, breakfast can be a point of contention for some. It's often described as basic, consisting of bread, jam, and cereal, which might not be enough for hikers embarking on a long day's trek. Packing some extra energy bars or snacks is a common recommendation.
Lunch options, including sandwiches, are also available for day visitors and hikers. However, some reviewers note that prices for food and drinks at the bar can be on the higher side, which is not uncommon for remote mountain refuges. Despite these minor critiques, the overall culinary experience, enhanced by the spectacular setting, is considered a highlight by many.
Navigating Amenities and Comfort
Bathroom facilities are shared among guests, and with a high capacity, queues can form, especially during peak times. The dormitories, while offering a place to sleep, can feel cramped, with limited space for personal belongings. Some reviewers suggest that private rooms offer a significantly more comfortable experience, with more space and privacy.
Despite these limitations, the rifugio provides essential services for hikers. The staff are generally described as hardworking, though some guests have perceived them as less approachable. Overall, the focus is on providing a functional base in a spectacular location, rather than luxury accommodation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit