Baraque Forestière de sous Courtet

Baraque Forestière de Sous Courtet sits at 2,180m in the Hautes-Alpes, deep in the Parc National des Écrins. The hut anchors the upper Valgaudemar valley, a serious hiking country accessed from Saint-Firmin. The forest road ends at a parking area; from there, walk 2 hours upvalley through larch and spruce to reach the baraque. This approach works year-round for fit hikers, though snow closes access above 1,800m from November to April.
The baraque is a small, stripped-down refuge—6 beds in one or two rooms, a basic kitchen, and a wood stove. There are no showers or flush toilets; expect an outhouse and washing at the sink. You cook your own meals or bring food. The guardian may be present in summer; contact the FFCAM before visiting to confirm. The hut works best from June to September for mountaineers climbing peaks in the Écrins massif and hikers doing valley traverses. Winter access demands serious snow skills.
Book through the FFCAM or contact the Chamois Blanc hut (which manages this site). Reserve well ahead for July and August. The hut fills quickly—aim for 4–6 weeks' notice in peak season. Bring your own sleeping bag and food. This is a working base camp, not a comfortable refuge. Go here to climb, not to relax.