Mountain refuge Bivouac Ernesto Ménabréaz

Bivouac Ernesto Ménabreaz is especially suited as height support to start the day on the mountain of Brissogne and gain ground to the sector of Mount Emilius . At 2545 meters, its practical function is not that of a valley shelter, but that of an advanced point in an already clearly alpine environment, useful to manage the approach and reserve forces before entering more open and demanding terrain.

In the context of the Aosta Valley, this vivac is linked to the network of trails that ascend from average heights to the high mountain. The access itself is associated with the bivacco sender from Alpe Laures, and in the area they also link itineraries such as the Sentiero 10 or the long trace of the Via Francigena in its regional step, although the latter is more of a territorial reference than a direct access of height. The approach forces you to think of a continuous progression, with change of ground as you gain altitude: more comfortable sections at the beginning and a more mineral environment at the top.

The logistics here matters. There is a source practically next to the bivac and other relatively close developments in the environment, a useful data to plan the water without overloading from below. However, in the mountain it is appropriate to have a margin and not to depend on a single collection if the conditions of the season are dry or cold.

Its position also helps to understand the type of terrain around it. It is very close to the summit, such as Monte Emilius, the Becca di Nona or Punta Garin , all above three thousand meters and specific to a relief where the orientation, the wind and the evolution of time weigh more than on half-mountain routes. It is not so much a massive point of passage as a support for mountaineers who seek continuity between high valley, hills and alpine ascension.

Because of this combination of altitude, relative isolation and proximity to several peaks, access to the Bivouac Ernesto Ménabeaz should be raised with basic autonomy, weather forecast and sufficient time margin, especially if the intention is to continue towards the peaks or peaks of the environment on the same day or the next day.