The cabin looks amazing - how many can it sleep?
There is one bedroom upstairs with 2 sets of bunks - so 4 people. It could be possible for another person to sleep downstairs but you're really maxing out on available space. Possibly in the summer where you can essentially live outdoors on the spacious terrace to the side of the cabin, but in winter, even 4 people in the cabin is challenging, unless you all get on very well! That said, one family with 3 children managed it...
Where exactly is the cabin?
If you complete the brief online form asking for more details, you will be sent a PDF which has a Google Maps link in it showing the exact location of the property. But for now, have a look for the Italian village of Rosazza in the Province of Biella and you won't be too far off.
What's all this about Pay As You Can?
This is a payment model which does not depend on set prices for its goods or services, but instead asks customers to pay what they can afford for the product or service and what it is worth to them. In reality, for A Little Cabin in the Alps, this payment model is entirely based on trust. The real minimum amount is €30 total per night (€20 if just one person) which just about covers the costs of electricity, gas, insurance, maintenance etc etc but obviously a higher daily payment rate is appreciated to offset lower payment stays. More information is available on the PDF if you ask for it.
Talking about Trust…
Trust works both ways. If you know me, that’s fine! If you don’t then you may question a couple of things related to how secure is your booking and what about your money. All valid. I am a real person(!) - you can fact-check me on my LinkedIn profile, my Instagram profile and my photography website. I usually work on the basis that I reserve the period of stay you are requesting, do not ask for a deposit (maybe I should…!) and only expect full payment a couple of weeks before you arrive. Particularly in the summer (high season) I don’t want to be in a position where you cancel last minute without paying. I also then trust you to look after the cabin as if it was your own, clean it well as you found it ready for the next guest, take all your rubbish away etc. Basic things really.
Do I really need a car to get there?
"No" is the short answer. You can fly or get a train to Milan or Turin and from there a train to Biella. From Biella there is a regular bus service which takes about 45 minutes to a bus stop near the cabin and from there a 10 minute walk. However, not having a car makes you dependant on this bus to get down to the nearest supermarket (30 minutes by bus or 15 minutes by car) for food. Again, people have brought up a full weeks supply of food and wine(!) with them in one go, so anything is possible... During the summer months, there is a small shop in the village which sells the basics. You don't need a car to go walking in the mountains as there are a number of signed mountain walks from (very nearby) the cabin.
Given that the cabin is ~10 minutes walk from the (free) public carpark and bus stop, with a path that has approx. 165(!) steps, it is much easier to plan on carrying rucsacs rather than a wheely suitcase...
If you are thinking of coming by car from northern Europe, you may find these links helpful for checking on tunnel closures and costs etc:-
When is the cabin available to use?
There is a Google Calendar for the cabin where you can see which week(s) are already taken and which are available.
Is there a limit on the length of time I can stay?
Not really, but a couple of weeks is usually the maximum. The cabin isn’t designed (or meant) for long-term stays.
I have other questions which aren't mentioned here - can I ask you them?
Certainly! Just go to the Find Out More page and send your queries.