About
Cabane du Berger du Puy sits at 2,750m in the Parc National des Écrins, in the remote upper Ubaye valley. The hut is a true backcountry refuge—tiny, basic, and only for serious hikers. Reach it from Maurin in 4–5 hours on foot. The trail climbs steeply through alpine pasture and scree. The final approach crosses boulder fields and requires scrambling ability. No mule track, no fixed cables. Winter snow makes access impossible before mid-July.
The cabin holds 8–10 people on foam mattresses in a single dormitory room. There is no guardian and no meals provided. Bring all food, fuel, and water-purification equipment. A small wood stove provides heat. The toilet is outside. The hut stays open year-round in theory, but it is genuinely isolated—expect to be self-sufficient. Most hikers use it as a base for climbing peaks in the range or as a bivouac on GR54 variants. This is not a staffed refuge; it is a climber's shelter.
Check conditions with the FFCAM or Parc des Écrins before attempting the approach. The hut is popular only among experienced mountaineers and competent off-trail hikers. There is no phone signal. There is no formal booking system—the hut is managed on an honor basis. Bring cash for the donation box if you use it. Do not rely on finding supplies, shelter, or help. Go only if you are confident moving in steep, rough terrain and managing alone.
The cabin holds 8–10 people on foam mattresses in a single dormitory room. There is no guardian and no meals provided. Bring all food, fuel, and water-purification equipment. A small wood stove provides heat. The toilet is outside. The hut stays open year-round in theory, but it is genuinely isolated—expect to be self-sufficient. Most hikers use it as a base for climbing peaks in the range or as a bivouac on GR54 variants. This is not a staffed refuge; it is a climber's shelter.
Check conditions with the FFCAM or Parc des Écrins before attempting the approach. The hut is popular only among experienced mountaineers and competent off-trail hikers. There is no phone signal. There is no formal booking system—the hut is managed on an honor basis. Bring cash for the donation box if you use it. Do not rely on finding supplies, shelter, or help. Go only if you are confident moving in steep, rough terrain and managing alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; this is a tiny refuge with only 8–10 places and fills quickly during peak season.
Mid-July to mid-September only; snow blocks the approach before July and conditions deteriorate rapidly after September.
Start from Maurin and hike 4–5 hours; the trail climbs steeply through alpine pasture and scree, with a final scramble over boulder fields that requires solid scrambling ability.
Expect basic mountain shelter: 8–10 foam mattresses, no showers, and a small kitchen—bring your own food or ask about simple meals when you book.
No—this hut is only for experienced hikers comfortable with scrambling, exposure, and fully self-sufficient mountain travel in remote terrain.
Location
44.6074, 6.0103
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HutLists Score
1.5
Overall
Facilities
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Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- PNF
Activities
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