Gian Federico Benevolo

The Gian Federico Benevolo Mountain Hut (2,287 m) is situated at the head of the Rhêmes Notre-Dame Valley, on the edge of the Gran Paradiso National Park.

The area offers stunning scenery in every season and numerous hiking opportunities: in summer, amidst waterfalls and flower-filled meadows teeming with marmots; in spring, with some of the most fascinating ski-mountaineering routes in the Alps. The refuge is on the Haute Route Glaciaire (HRG) and serves as an excellent base for hikes and climbs in the Gran Paradiso National Park.

Opened in 1930 by the CAI of Turin in memory of the mountaineer Gian Federico Benevolo, who died in 1927 on the Col de Bionassay (Mont Blanc), the refuge was severely damaged during the Second World War.

Designed as a shelter for mountaineers, it retains the characteristics of historic huts, with basic facilities and shared spaces, in keeping with the alpine environment. Since 2012, it has undergone renovation work that has improved its facilities.

A sleeping bag liner is compulsory and can be purchased on site; showers operate on a token system.

How to get there in summer

On foot: from the car park in Thumel, follow the tarmac road and, after a few hundred metres, continue straight on along path n.13, which leads to the refuge.
Difficulty: E excursion route
Elevation gain: approx. 400 m
Duration: approx. 1h30

how to get there in spring

ski-mountaineering / snowshoeing: the route is the same for both activities, though the approach to the terrain may differ: whilst ski mountaineers seek out the best snow and pay attention to steep slopes, snowshoers tend to follow the most well-trodden path, often the farm track or dedicated trails, taking care to avoid areas with powdery snow (where one sinks in) and slopes prone to avalanches.

From the hamlet of Bruil (1723 m), follow the summer road past the villages of Pellaud and Thumel. Leave the road and climb through the woods along the summer trail n.13 up to an altitude of 2000 m. 
Elevation gain: approx. 400 m
Duration: approx. 1h30

The route should only be attempted after checking the avalanche report. It is compulsory to carry an avalanche rescue kit (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe).