"Daniele Arlaud" refuge

The Rifugio Daniele Arlaud is located at an altitude of 1771 meters in the Montagne Seu area, in the heart of the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park.

It's a place of support, arrival, or starting point for those who want to explore a natural, charming, and protected environment just a stone's throw from Sauze d'Oulx in Alta Val Susa. It is located on the hiking trails of GTA (Great Alpine Crossing) and Via Alpina between Salbertrand, in the Susa Valley, and Usseaux, in the Chisone Valley. It is easily accessible by a dirt road, closed to vehicle traffic (except for residents and owners), starting from Monfol (a hamlet of Oulx accessible from the Municipality of Sauze d'Oulx) on foot or by mountain bike, and in winter, with snowshoes.

It is situated in a small and characteristic high mountain hamlet that enjoys a magnificent exposure: the Seu is kissed by the sun all year round.

The Rifugio was originally a park ranger's hut, then renovated by the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park at the beginning of the 2000s and subsequently expanded. The building showcases the typical stone and wood architecture, with a slate roof, larch beams inserted into the masonry to stabilize the structure. After the expansion, it is structured into two buildings: the first houses the kitchen and bar on the raised floor, dining room (with 35 table seats and a large outdoor summer terrace) and restrooms on the ground floor; in the second building, there are 16 bunk beds and a cozy room for two people.

Since 2002, it has been managed with passion by Elisa Pecar and her family. The structure has received prestigious European and regional recognitions such as the European Ecolabel, Yes Quality, and Italian Hospitality.

The Rifugio is dedicated to Daniele Arlaud, the 1st president of the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park (elected on July 6, 1982), a great mountain enthusiast who passed away prematurely at the age of 45.

Infos

Access to the Refuge is mostly through the forest road that crosses the Park and connects the equipped area of Ser Blanc to Seu. Cars can reach the parking lot at Ser Blanc by following, from Sauze d'Oulx, first the asphalt road to Monfol and then the dirt road for about 800 meters. At Ser Blanc, there is a paid parking lot in the summer. In winter, the access road is always open and free only up to the hamlet of Monfol, where there are no parking spaces. From the parking lot at Ser Blanc/Monfol, you can continue on foot or by bike along the forest road towards Montagne Seu on an easy and accessible path for everyone, including strollers! (1 hour and 15 minutes walk for people used to walking, with a height difference of just over 110 meters, concentrated mainly in the first part of the walk which then continues mostly flat with a slight final descent towards Seu).

Alternatively, you can reach the Refuge starting from Salbertrand and following the GTA hiking trail that starts just before the equipped area of Pinea, which is the main entrance to the Park. The start of the trail is well marked and is near a fountain and before a bridge. If you reach Salbertrand by car, it is recommended to park at the Park headquarters, in Via Fransuà Fontan 1, or at the sports field.

The Refuge's Kitchen offers a variety of appetizers, with seasonal vegetables, cold cuts, local cheeses. Traditional polenta with meats, with cod, with cheeses, and original vegetarian combinations. Homemade desserts including apple pies, Trieste presnitz, Linz cake, baked peaches, spoon sweets, and other goodies. Piedmont wines and beers are available. There are menus for vegetarians, vegans, and other dietary intolerances.

Property: Ente di gestione delle Aree protette delle Alpi Cozie

Services

Overnight stay

Breakfast

Catering

Pic nic area

Restrooms inside

Wood stove

Internet connection

Animals allowed

Hot water