Camardella Bivouac: technology at the service of the mountains
The newly built Camardella Bivouac is an example of cutting-edge engineering designed for mountain experts, catering to those who venture onto the Rutor glacier each year in search of new personal challenges.
With its aluminium envelope, energy self-sufficiency and solar panel heating, the Camardella Bivouac features a panoramic glass window that offers a stunning view of Mont Blanc. Perfectly insulated, this high-altitude refuge at 3,360 metres above sea level provides a refreshing and immersive experience and is located along the route of the prestigious Tour du Rutor, the international ski mountaineering race held every two years.
Next to the Camardella Bivouac stands the newly installed weather station – the highest in the Graian Alps and among the highest in Europe. Featuring 360-degree webcams, it offers a detailed preview of your adventure.
A high-tech device strategically positioned for mountaineers, but also in one of the places most loved by Edoardo Camardella, the ski instructor who tragically passed away on his beloved mountain in 2019, and after whom the bivouac is named.
Camardella Bivouac: how to get there
There are two options to reach the Edoardo Camardella Bivouac:
- depart from La Thuile, Deffeyes Refuge
- depart from Valgrisanche – Bonne, Angeli Refuge
From the Deffeyes Refuge, follow the path along the moraine towards the glacier (there are ropes and chains in some sections). Once you reach the glacier, you’ll need to rope up (mountaineering equipment required) until you reach the Camardella Bivouac. From here you can reach the Testa del Rutor (3,486 m).
Alternatively, from the Angeli Refuge, follow the trail marked by numerous stone cairns to reach the Morion glacier. After crossing the glacier (mountaineering equipment required), head north towards the spur that leads to the Rutor Pass, where you’ll find the Camardella Bivouac. Always check the current conditions of the route beforehand, as there is a risk of falling rocks on the ascent to the pass.
These routes are suitable for advanced mountaineers and demand both physical fitness and proper equipment.
Altitude: 3,357 m a.s.l.
Location: Rutor Pass, at the start of the north-east summit ridge of the Testa del Rutor
Sleeps: 6 (with mattresses and mattress covers)
Equipment: solar panels for energy self-sufficiency, underfloor heating and LED lighting, as well as a low-voltage USB socket for charging phones and/or electronic equipment. The facility does not have an equipped kitchen.
Open: always
Difficulty: A (mountaineering equipment)
Signposts: 3-AV2 to the Deffeyes Refuge, 16 to the Angeli Refuge
Walking time:
- from La Thuile (Loc. La Joux 1,607 m) 7h
- from Deffeyes Refuge (2,500 m) 3h30
- from Valgrisenche (Loc. Bonne 1,664 m) 6h
- from Angeli Refuge (2,916 m) 1h40
Camardella Bivouac: a bit of history
The Edoardo Camardella Bivouac is named in honour of a young freerider and ski instructor who tragically lost his life 2019, swept away by an avalanche on Mont Blanc. Edo was a vibrant, passionate individual who loved sports and dedicated himself to numerous sports projects in his beloved village, La Thuile. In 2013, together with several partners, he founded the Boulder gym Up&Down. In 2015, Edo completed one of his first ultra trails, the Liconi Trail (60km).
Spurred on by his passion, Edo came up with the idea of organising a trail in La Thuile, which has been attracting and hosting athletes from around the world since 2016. Edo always lived for sport, and through his immense passion, inspired many young people to love the mountains.
The design of the bivouac symbolises two united blocks (Edoardo died with Luca Martini and the structure is a tribute to the two friends), while the exterior is inspired by the Vedette del Rutor, which serve as a reference point during the ascent to the bivouac.
Construction of the Camardella Bivouac began in the summer of 2020 and was completed in September 2022. Built entirely from environmentally sustainable materials and designed to be energy self-sufficient, the bivouac was made possible by the “CMR Project”, supported by the Edoardo Camardella Bivouac Foundation and the La Thuile Municipality.
