About
Cabane de l'Ours sits at 2,451m in the Hautes-Alpes, in the heart of the Parc National des Écrins. Reach it from the village of Vallouise via the Vallon de Malvoisie. The approach takes 3–3.5 hours on a well-marked trail through alpine meadows and scree. The hut serves as a base for climbing in the Massif du Pelvoux and traverses toward Refuge du Goûter and other nearby huts in the massif.
The cabin is small, with basic dormitory sleeping for around 12–15 people. A guardian is present during summer months (mid-June to mid-September). Meals are available: a packed lunch on request and a simple evening meal if reserved ahead. Water comes from a spring nearby. Expect no heating or showers. The hut works well as a stopover rather than a destination in itself; many parties use it to split longer treks or mountaineering objectives.
Book directly with FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne) or through the Vallouise tourist office. Reserve evening meals 1–2 days in advance. July and August fill quickly; aim to confirm your night 2–3 weeks ahead for peak season. The cabin closes outside summer months. Winter access is possible for experienced parties with suitable gear, but you'll find no services.
The cabin is small, with basic dormitory sleeping for around 12–15 people. A guardian is present during summer months (mid-June to mid-September). Meals are available: a packed lunch on request and a simple evening meal if reserved ahead. Water comes from a spring nearby. Expect no heating or showers. The hut works well as a stopover rather than a destination in itself; many parties use it to split longer treks or mountaineering objectives.
Book directly with FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne) or through the Vallouise tourist office. Reserve evening meals 1–2 days in advance. July and August fill quickly; aim to confirm your night 2–3 weeks ahead for peak season. The cabin closes outside summer months. Winter access is possible for experienced parties with suitable gear, but you'll find no services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; earlier booking isn't usually necessary for this smaller hut.
Open late June to late September with a guardian present; exact dates depend on snow conditions and staffing.
Start from Vallouise village and hike 3–3.5 hours via Vallon de Malvoisie on a well-marked trail to 2,451m.
The guardian provides dinner and breakfast; bring a sleeping bag for dormitory beds (12–15 capacity) and expect basic mountain hut conditions with no showers.
Yes, the approach is straightforward and well-marked, but this is a base for mountaineering in Massif du Pelvoux, so most users are hiking or climbing routes above the hut.
Location
45.0906, 6.5115
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2.6
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