What’s a bivouac?
- Bivouacs are not intended as regular accommodation: they offer shelter in an emergency.
- You can’t book a bivouac.
- Bivouacs are not managed and are always open, except when undergoing periodical maintenance.
- As a general rule, they don’t have a bathroom or electricity. Check if there is a stove or fireplace before setting out and, if there isn’t, take a camping stove and gas with you, as well as a mess tin and a cutlery kit.
- Take extra water for cooking, a sleeping bag, torch and matches.
- Read the bivouac rules and be respectful towards anyone else who may be staying there.
- Leave the bivouac clean and tidy and always take your rubbish home with you.
What’s a refuge?
Refuges offer accommodation for the general public (which is either permanently manned or just supervised) and were originally built to give shelter to mountaineers and hikers. They provide hospitality and a place to rest, eat and stay overnight, with all the relative amenities. They always have first aid facilities. Refuges can be found at different altitudes; some are old, others more recent but all of them offer accommodation in dormitories or private rooms. Bathrooms are usually shared.
