Cabin de la Vivolle

Cabane de la Vivolle sits at 2,411m in the Hautes-Alpes, serving as a base for routes in the southern Écrins massif. Reach it from the village of Ancelle: follow the GR54 trail southeast, gaining 1,200m over roughly 4 hours on foot. The cabin lies in open terrain below Pic de la Cabre, with views across the Drac valley. Summer access is straightforward; winter approaches require winter mountaineering skills and avalanche assessment.
The cabin is basic mountain shelter run by FFCAM. It sleeps around 10 people in bunkroom accommodation. Water comes from a nearby spring. There are no meals served, so bring all food and fuel for cooking on your own stove. The toilet is outside. The cabin opens mid-June through September, depending on snow conditions. Expect cold nights even in summer; bring a sleeping bag rated to -5°C. The location works well for acclimatization before higher peaks or as a waypoint on the GR54 traverse.
Book direct through FFCAM's website or contact the Ancelle tourist office for key access. The cabin fills quickly in July and August, particularly weekends. Plan ahead if you're traveling then. Arrive with water bottles filled and be prepared to self-cater entirely. The cabin sees few visitors outside peak summer, making June and September quieter alternatives if you have flexible dates.