Refuge de Varan
4.3About
Refuge de Varan sits at 1,620m in Haute-Savoie, on the eastern flank of the Chaîne des Aravis. The hut is accessible from the Vallée de la Borne—most parties approach via the village of Thônes, then climb northeast through forested slopes to the refuge in roughly 2 to 2.5 hours. The terrain is steady rather than steep, making it a solid option for early-season acclimatization or as a base for day hikes into the Aravis range. A winter approach is possible in good conditions, though the hut does not operate as a staffed facility year-round.
The refuge holds 28 beds across shared rooms. Evening meals and breakfast are available when the hut is staffed; bring your own lunch or snacks for day trips. The hut typically operates from late spring through early autumn, with the busiest period running July through August. Outside this window, contact ahead to confirm opening dates and staffing. Water and basic cooking facilities are on site for those with their own provisions.
Book direct by email or phone as soon as your dates are set—at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead for July and August. Contact details are listed on the alpine-huts.com directory entry. The hut fills quickly during school holidays and weekends. Confirm opening status and meal availability before you travel, as staffing varies with the season.
The refuge holds 28 beds across shared rooms. Evening meals and breakfast are available when the hut is staffed; bring your own lunch or snacks for day trips. The hut typically operates from late spring through early autumn, with the busiest period running July through August. Outside this window, contact ahead to confirm opening dates and staffing. Water and basic cooking facilities are on site for those with their own provisions.
Book direct by email or phone as soon as your dates are set—at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead for July and August. Contact details are listed on the alpine-huts.com directory entry. The hut fills quickly during school holidays and weekends. Confirm opening status and meal availability before you travel, as staffing varies with the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead, especially for July and August; contact the refuge by email or phone to confirm availability and arrange your stay.
Refuge de Varan is staffed June through September; winter access is possible in good snow conditions but the hut is not reliably staffed outside summer months.
Approach from Thônes village in the Vallée de la Borne, climbing northeast through forested slopes to the refuge in 2 to 2.5 hours on steady terrain.
The refuge has 28 beds and serves meals; shower facilities are basic or unavailable, typical for a small mountain hut at this elevation.
Yes—the 2.5-hour approach on steady, forested terrain is manageable for fit beginners, and the hut works well as an acclimatization stop or base for day hikes in the Aravis range.
Location
45.9454, 6.6893
HutLists Score
4.3
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Total
- 28
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 4 50 93 61 98
Activities
Featured In
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