Prarayer
Resorts: Bionaz
The Prarayer Mountain Hut 2005 m is situated in the upper Bionaz Valley, amidst towering mountains, glaciers, forests, streams and lakes.
It is a stop on the Matterhorn Tour, in the heart of the 4,000-metre peaks of the Pennine Alps. It is the ideal starting point for climbing, hiking, fishing and mountain biking in summer; and for ski touring in winter and spring.
The refuge also offers comfortable accommodation in dormitories and private rooms, a sauna, a bar and a restaurant serving traditional Aosta Valley cuisine.
At the refuge, you can request the assistance of mountain guides from the Valpelline Society for ski mountaineering, hiking and mountaineering.
How to get there in summer
On foot: starting from the Place Moulin dam (1.980 m), follow trail 9 to Prarayer. The path to the refuge is a track accessible to everyone (including mothers with pushchairs).
Difficulty: E excursion route
Elevation gain: approx. 25 m
Duration: 1h15
Alternative: a lovely option is the mountain bike ride. The route follows the lakeside for about 5 km along a path dotted with streams and small waterfalls, leading to the refuge .
How to get there in winter/spring
note the road closure order from Bionaz to the dam during the winter
Ski touring/snowshoeing: from the Place Moulin dam (1980 m) reach the refuge by following the summer path.
Elevation gain: approx. 25 m.
Exposure: varies
Services
Notes
Free overnight stay for coach drivers and holiday representatives who are providing assistance to groups of at least 25 persons, organised by travel and tourist agencies.
Prices
Prices are valid from 01/12/2025 to 30/11/2026
Aosta Est motorway exit.
Follow the green signs for the Great St Bernard Tunnel until you reach the tunnel junction with the SS27. At the tunnel exit, turn right and follow the signs for Valpelline and the Place-Moulin Dam.
Continue along the regional road through Valpelline, continuing uphill to the hairpin bend with the junction on the right for Bionaz. Follow the SR28 via Oyace and Lake Lexert.
Just before the centre of Bionaz, turn left towards Place Moulin and follow the road to the large car park by the dam, where you can leave your car.
The nearest train station is in Aosta.
Scheduled Coach service as far as Bionaz (approximately 4 trips a day, excluding Sundays).
Note - this information is not directly connected to the Cammino Balteo path but it is part of the Aosta Valley tourist offer.