Rifugio Barma

The Barma refuge is located at an altitude of 2060 meters in the Mont Mars nature reserve, located between the Biella area and the Valle del Lys in the Aosta Valley. The stone structure is built around the mountain rock in the center of an amphitheater overlooking the lakes of the same name at the foot of the Mont Mars massif (2600 m). The refuge is recently built and has a large bar, two dining rooms, eight bedrooms, five of which sleep 8, two sleep 4 and one double with bathroom. The bathrooms are shared. The Barma Mountain Hut is a valuable base for those setting out on the Alta Via n. 1 trail, which links Donnas to Courmayeur.

The structure is equipped with solar panels for the production of electricity, integrated by a system of co-generators. The water is captured deep in the lake and treated with a water purifier so as to avoid the use of packaging to be disposed of.

How to get there in summer

• From the car park at Pian Coumarial (1,440 m), begin the ascent by following path n. 2D. The first section leads through the woods, before opening out onto meadows typical of Alpine pastures. Just above Lake Vargno, keep to the right and change to path n. 2. After a short stretch, the climb resumes on the right along a lovely mule track. The route continues easily through a very varied landscape, passing through mountain pastures, scree slopes and rocky outcrops, reaching first Lac Long and, after a rocky ridge, the basin of the Lacs de Barme. From here, heading towards the largest lake and ignoring the junction on the left which marks the continuation of the Alta Via, you will soon reach the Rifugio della Barma.
  Difficulty: E excursion route
  Elevation gain: 620 m
  Duration: 3h10
  
  
• From Loc. Pillaz (1231 m), an easy route along a dirt track through woodland leads to Lago Vargno; from here, the actual Trail No. 2, described above, begins. You walk on a mixture of earth and grass, with some sections of mule track, climbing in the shade of the trees. After about half an hour’s climb, the vegetation thins out, giving way to some rocky ground.  
  Difficulty: E excursion route
  Elevation gain: 829 m
  Duration: 3h