Bonatti Refuge, from the car park after Lavachey

Access

From the Courmayeur exit of the A5 motorway, continue to Entrèves and then take the Val Ferret road to follow to the car park just after Lavachey (1769m).

Introduction

Short walk to one of the most popular destinations in Val Ferret. The itinerary unfolds entirely on a path that climbs the orographic right-hand side of the valley, immersing itself in a beautiful coniferous forest that occasionally allows a glimpse of the Mont Blanc Massif. When you reach your destination, the forest gives way to wide pastures that allow you to fully appreciate the splendid view of the Grandes Jorasses and in particular of the bold Punta Walker.
The refuge, dedicated to the great Italian mountaineer Walter Bonatti, was built in 1996 in a position where you can fully appreciate the view of the mountains so dear to Bonatti. Today, it is popular with hikers from all over the world who tackle the Tour du Mont Blanc every year. The structure is very beautiful and cosy and is definitely worth a stop, also to appreciate the friendliness of the managers.

Description

From the car park, walk backwards along the municipal road until you come to the marker signposting the start of the itinerary. 
0h00' Follow the signs for path and take a small dirt road that runs alongside the Torrent du Col de Malatrà in its initial section. Follow the little road through the larch forest, following a few hairpin bends that allow you to gain height on the orographic left side of the valley, while small glimpses of the glaciers of the Freboudze glacier open up between the branches. As the forest thins out, you will come across a new signpost (1854m) with directions to the hut.
0h35' Turn left and now take the path , which with a few quick turns and numerous shortcuts allows you to reach the pastures below the hut. Coming out of the wood, the path veers to the right until it reaches the intersection with the balcony path / that comes from the Bertone hut.
0h45' Neglect the path on the right and continue straight on as the hut appears before the hiker. Before reaching your destination, however, you can appreciate the beautiful views of Mont Blanc. After a final climb, you will finally reach the Bonatti hut (2025m)  1h00' 💧. 
The return is along the same route as on the outward journey 0h45'. 
 

General information
Signposts:

 Route type: a/r 

Recommended period: June, July, August, September, October 

Exposure to sunlight: north-west