The Balbieres refuge is located in Piedmont, in the Upper Susa Valley, at an altitude of 1500 meters in the village of the same name within the municipality of Cesana Torinese.
You can reach Balbieres on foot via the dirt road to Desertes, which begins from the national road 24 of Monginevro.
From Turin and France, head towards Oulx - Cesana Torinese. At kilometer 84, you’ll find two access points to the road for Desertes on your right, where you can park your car.
Proceed in the direction of Desertes (about 100 meters from the access points, there are two additional parking spots, the last one before the bridge over the Dora River) and cross the bridge. After walking approximately 500 meters, ignore the left turn for Desert - Colletto Grigio - Fenils and continue along the wide dirt path.
After about 3 kilometers, take the right fork marked for the Balbieres hamlet. In 500 meters, at the upper part of the village, you will find the refuge. The entire route is well signposted with signs.
If you need assistance (for those with reduced mobility, strollers, elderly individuals, etc.), please contact the manager. Depending on service times, the refuge offers a free shuttle service or luggage transport.
The mountainous landscape features extensive areas of larch, ash, and maple forests, which cover 80% of the area and invite long walks to immerse yourself in nature. Encounters with local wildlife are not uncommon at sunset, as foxes and deer often visit, provided you maintain strict silence while waiting.