Casa Alpina "Fornetti"
The place
Unstaffed refuge at 1,178 m in the Grandubbione valley, near Pinasca in the Piedmontese Val Chisone, run by the CAI Pinasca section. Restoration project started in 1977 thanks to strong volunteer effort (cement, sand, bricks and wood carried by hand along an unpaved trail). Roof completed in 1978. A mountain spring was tapped via about one kilometer of buried plastic piping to provide fresh water access. Common room on the ground floor (former cattle shed), upstairs a ten-bed dormitory plus a private room. Wood stove heating, gas lighting. Use restricted to CAI Pinasca members with prior authorization. Three rock-climbing sites nearby, routes from grade IV to VI+.
Getting there
Access by car to Borgata Traversi, then a marked trail of about 20 min after crossing a stream.
The setting
Grandubbione valley near Pinasca, Val Chisone (Piedmont). Three rock-climbing sites nearby.
A bit of history
Restoration begun in 1977, roof completed 1978. Mountain spring tapped via 1 km of buried piping.
