Vittorio Sella Hut, in the Lauson basin

What it is

The Vittorio Sella hut is at 2,588 m in the Lauson basin, above Valnontey, in the Cogne Valley. It belongs to the Italian Alpine Club, Biella section, and one of its two buildings is the restored former hunting lodge of King Victor Emmanuel II. Around it is one of the areas of the park where the ibex, the symbol animal of Gran Paradiso, is most often seen, along with chamois and marmots. The climb is demanding but not technically difficult, and it is the classic excursion for seeing wildlife up close.

The route in numbers

• Start: Valnontey, 1,667 m, next to the Paradisia alpine garden.
• Finish: Vittorio Sella hut; the path reaches a maximum altitude of 2,584 m according to the park's information sheet, and the hut gives 2,588 m.
• Ascent: about 1,000 m of climbing, according to the park.
• Length: about 5 km each way.
• Time: 2 h 30 to climb, according to the park. With the descent and stops, count 4 h 30 to 5 h.
• Difficulty: E, hiking.
• Waymarking: path 2.
• Recommended season: July to September.

Step by step

1. Valnontey. You leave the hamlet, next to the Paradisia alpine garden. The park recommends visiting it first: there you learn to recognise the flowers and habitats you will see on the way.
2. The forest. The first part climbs through forest, in zigzags and with a steady gradient.
3. The high pastures. You leave the forest for alpine meadows. From here it is easy to see ibex, chamois and marmots.
4. The Lauson summer pastures. Before the hut, stop at the Lauson huts: there are marmots all around.
5. The hut. You reach the open Lauson basin, with the hut and the mountains of the Gran Paradiso group around.

Sleeping or eating at the hut

The hut has about 150 places and a restaurant service. It opens in two seasons: in spring, from late March to early May, and in summer, from late May to September. It is currently closed. You book through the form on its website and it is confirmed by email.

2026 prices per person, for non-members of the CAI:

• Half board (dinner, bed and breakfast) in a dormitory: €64.
• Half board in a room of up to four beds: €68.50.
• Bed only in a dormitory: €34.50; in a room, €39.

CAI members pay less and there is a discount for under-25s. A sheet sleeping bag is compulsory (bought there for €6), and drinks, the shower and the tourist tax of €1 per person per day are extra.

When to go

From July to September, with the path free of snow. The Lauson basin is under snow from November to May. Set off early: the climb is long and in summer storms arrive in the afternoon. At dawn and dusk the animals are most active; sleeping at the hut gives you both chances.

Getting there and parking

Valnontey is a few kilometres from Cogne, at the foot of Gran Paradiso. Park in the hamlet, in the designated area, and continue on foot to the start of the path next to Paradisia. In the same valley you have Lake Loie, from Lillaz, for another day.

With children, with a dog and if the weather changes

With fit teenagers it goes well: 1,000 m of climbing is a lot for small children, unless you sleep at the top and split the excursion. Dogs may only use this path from 15 July to 15 September. Keep your distance from the ibex, even if they let you approach. If a storm threatens, in season you can wait at the hut; outside it, come down in good time.