Space Mountain
Image from Conde Nast Traveller
Imagine happening upon this cosy little capsule after a tough and potentially life-threatening climb. I'd imagine it must be the Alpine equivalent of a desert mirage, only this futuristic pod really does exist. Designed by Italian architects, it's 30 square metres in size and sleeps up to 12 people.
Named Bivacco Gervasutti, after the Turin-born Alpine climber, it was designed to replace a decidedly less fancy wooden shelter that was built in his memory. And, although it may look like it's about to topple at any minute, it’s actually completely secure (pretty luxurious too, with Wi-Fi and solar-powered energy).
The good news is, anyone can use it, so if you do happen to be climbing 2,835 metres above sea level from Val Ferret (as you do), then you may be lucky enough to find yourself a bed for the night in this space-age shelter.
- HT