Cabin les Ecoulaies

Cabane les Écoulaies sits at 2,575m in the Massif du Pelvoux, south of the Parc National des Écrins. Approach from Vallouise village (about 1 hour's drive from Briançon). The main trail climbs 4–5 hours from Ailefroide hamlet via the Glacier Blanc path, then branches left toward the refuge. Snow and rockfall make the route serious in early season; summer (July–September) offers the safest passage. A winter approach is possible but demands alpine competence.

This is a simple mountain shelter run by FFCAM, with capacity for 12–15 people. There's no electricity, heating, or running water. Expect a basic dormitory setup, a stove for melting snow, and a small kitchen area. Meals are self-catering only—bring your own supplies or arrange half-board when booking. The cabin serves as a staging point for ascents of Pic Blanc (3,330m) and traverses into the Ailefroide cirque. Summer-only operation (roughly late June to early October, weather dependent).

Book well ahead by contacting the FFCAM Briançon section or checking alpine-huts.com availability. July and August fill quickly. Bring a sleeping bag, food, water containers, and stove fuel. The route has objective hazard from rockfall and glacial melt, so go with someone who knows the terrain, or hire a local guide.