Rifugio Città di Cirié

Rifugio Città di Cirié is an alpine hut (rifugio) in the municipality of Balme, in the Val d'Ala of the Graian Alps, Piedmont, Italy, at an elevation of 1,865 metres above sea level. The building was originally constructed in 1930 as a barracks for the Guardia di Frontiera (Border Guard) and served that purpose until the end of the Second World War, when it was set on fire by partisans. In 1952 the building was purchased by the CAI UGET section of Cirié, which converted it into a mountain hut. Its official inauguration took place on 3 July 1954 in the presence of the Prefect of Turin, with choirs, bands and folk groups from the valleys; on that occasion the hut was named after the City of Cirié in recognition of the financial and bureaucratic assistance provided by the municipal administration. The building has undergone numerous modifications over the years, the most important being a complete renovation, elevation and compliance upgrade between 2001 and 2003, which gave it its current appearance. Thanks to its position, the hut is well suited to excursions of varying difficulty, from simple walks to ascents of notable peaks. It can be reached by car at the head of the Val d'Ala, near Pian della Mussa; in winter it is accessible on foot or on skis. The hut serves as a base for climbs including the Uia di Mondrone (2,964 m), Punta Rossa di Sea (2,910 m), Uia di Ciamarella (3,676 m), Albaron di Savoia (3,638 m), Albaron di Sea (3,262 m), Uia di Bessanese (3,604 m) and Rocca Ciarva (2,364 m), as well as traverses to Bivacco Soardi-Fassero (2,287 m) via the Ghicet di Sea, Rifugio Luigi Cibrario (2,616 m) via the Passo delle Mangioire, Rifugio des Evettes (2,590 m) and Rifugio dell'Averole (2,210 m).

The structure that became Rifugio Città di Cirié was built in 1930 as a barracks for the Guardia di Frontiera (Border Guard) and was used for that purpose until the end of the Second World War, when it was set on fire by partisans. In 1952 the building was purchased by the CAI UGET section of Cirié, which transformed it into a mountain hut. The official inauguration was held on 3 July 1954 in the presence of the Prefect of Turin, with choirs, bands and folk groups from the valleys. On this occasion the hut was named after the City of Cirié in recognition of the financial and bureaucratic help provided by the municipal administration. Over the years the building underwent numerous modifications; the last and most important took place between 2001 and 2003, when it was completely renovated, raised and brought up to code, assuming its current appearance.

• 2001

  Start of major renovation, elevation and compliance works (completed 2003).

• 1954

  Official inauguration on 3 July, named after the City of Cirié.

• 1952

  Purchased by the CAI UGET section of Cirié and converted into a mountain hut.

• 1945

  Set on fire by partisans at the end of World War II.

• 1930

  Built as a Guardia di Frontiera barracks.

Historic alpine hut and excursion base in the Graian Alps, operated by the Italian Alpine Club.

• Alpine hut accommodation

• Mountain meals

• Excursion base services

1. 1Rifugio Città di Ciriéit.wikipedia.org
2. 2Rifugio Città di Ciriéwikidata.org