Cabin de la Petite Vaudaine
2.0Cabane de la Petite Vaudaine
About
Cabane de la Petite Vaudaine sits at 1790m in the Hautes-Alpes, on the eastern flank of Mont Viso. Access is from the village of Fontainemore in Italy or from Abries on the French side. The hut lies 3–4 hours' walk from Abries via the Col de Caramantran route, crossing into alpine pasture and scree. This is serious mountain country: the approaches are exposed and the cabin sits well above tree line.
The cabin is a small mountain refuge with 4 beds split across one or two rooms. It is unguarded and unmanned—you must be self-sufficient. There is a basic stove, water access from a nearby spring, and a small storage area for supplies. The hut is open from June through September, depending on snow conditions. Winter approaches are dangerous and not recommended. Bring all food, fuel, and equipment. You must know how to navigate and handle basic mountain emergencies.
Book through the FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne) Briançon section or contact the local mayor's office in Abries. The cabin fills quickly in July and August. Notify the FFCAM at least two weeks before arrival to confirm current conditions and access routes, as snow and rockfall can block approaches into September.
The cabin is a small mountain refuge with 4 beds split across one or two rooms. It is unguarded and unmanned—you must be self-sufficient. There is a basic stove, water access from a nearby spring, and a small storage area for supplies. The hut is open from June through September, depending on snow conditions. Winter approaches are dangerous and not recommended. Bring all food, fuel, and equipment. You must know how to navigate and handle basic mountain emergencies.
Book through the FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne) Briançon section or contact the local mayor's office in Abries. The cabin fills quickly in July and August. Notify the FFCAM at least two weeks before arrival to confirm current conditions and access routes, as snow and rockfall can block approaches into September.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the hut directly well ahead—this tiny 4-bed cabin fills quickly for summer weekends and has no formal online booking system.
The cabin is unstaffed and available year-round, but practically accessible June to September when snow clears and weather is stable.
From Abries on the French side, allow 3–4 hours to reach the hut via Col de Caramantran; the trail crosses exposed alpine terrain and scree above tree line.
The cabin has 4 beds in one or two rooms and is unguarded, so you'll need to be self-sufficient for water, fuel, and cooking.
No—the exposed approach via Col de Caramantran and high-altitude mountain terrain demand solid hill fitness and route-finding skills; this is for experienced alpinists only.
Location
45.1321, 5.9451
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This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
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