Rifugio Della Pace

Rifugio Della Pace sits at 2,580m in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, serving hikers crossing the southern Écrins massif. Access from the Pré-de-Madame trailhead takes 4–5 hours on a well-marked path through larch forest and alpine meadow. The final approach climbs steeply over scree to the hut. Most parties approach from the west via the Hautes-Alpes; a longer eastern approach exists but is less frequented.
The rifugio operates year-round, though winter access requires winter mountaineering skills. It houses 30–40 people in mixed dormitories and a few small rooms. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is the standard option. The kitchen provides solid mountain food rather than restaurant cooking. There's running water and basic toilets; heating relies on a wood stove. Mobile signal is patchy. The hut is managed by experienced keepers who maintain it to FFCAM standards, though it operates independently rather than as part of a larger network.
Book by phone 2–3 months ahead for July and August. The hut fills with parties tackling multi-day traverses, so expect crowding on good-weather weekends. June and September are quieter and often more reliable for weather stability. Confirm opening dates before your trip, as extreme snow conditions can force temporary closure.