Bivacco Andreotti, Mountain bivouac hut in Pontechianale, Italy
Bivacco Andreotti is a metal shelter located at 3,225 meters elevation at the base of Monviso's south face, beneath the Sella glacier in the Cottian Alps. The simple structure provides six metal bunks and remains accessible throughout the year for mountaineers and rescue teams.
This shelter was built in 1981 by the Sci Club Savigliano as a tribute to Lino Andreotti, who served as mayor of Savigliano and founded the organization. A major rock avalanche damaged the roof and valley-facing wall in January 2012.
The structure represents the Italian alpine tradition of providing emergency shelters in remote mountain locations for climbers and rescue teams.
The shelter is open year-round and free to use, though reaching it requires strong mountaineering skills and proper alpine equipment for the approach. Visitors must obtain drinking water directly from the adjacent Sella glacier.
The shelter was rebuilt by nine volunteers in 2014 after the rock avalanche damage, making it an important waypoint for climbers tackling difficult routes around Monviso. Its restoration reflects the dedication of the local mountaineering community.
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