Rifugio Pian della Ballotta

The place

Small unguarded refuge at 2470 m at Pian della Ballotta (Piccolo Colluret), above the Lago Serrù, in the Valle dell'Orco (Piedmont, commune of Ceresole Reale). Built in 1940 in a strategic position to stay out of sight of the French border ridge. Occupied in turn by Italian Alpini troops, border guards, then German soldiers from October 1944. Small two-storey stone building with 12 platform beds, kitchen corner, bathroom and gas lighting. Wood-stove heating, outdoor toilets, photovoltaic lighting, gas cooker with bottles. Summer access from the car park above the Serrù dam (2292 m) via the Colle della Losa international pass in 40 min. Key to be booked and collected at the Bar Stella Alpina in Ceresole Reale.