Cabin Forestière de Fontfroide
2.7Cabane Forestière de Fontfroide
About
Cabane Forestière de Fontfroide sits at 1540m in the Hautes-Alpes, deep in the Parc National des Écrins. You reach it from the Vallée du Fournel via a hiking path that takes 2–3 hours depending on your fitness and the snow line. The cabin serves as a base for scrambling routes, day walks through alpine meadows, and access to higher peaks in the massif. Winter approaches are harder; check conditions before attempting travel in December through March.
The cabin sleeps 5 people in simple dormitory or mixed arrangement. It has a wood stove for heating, basic kitchen equipment, and cold running water. Bring your own food, fuel, or contact the guardian beforehand if provisions are needed. There are no meals provided, no showers, and no electricity. The season is June through September; winter use requires advance arrangement with the Parc National des Écrins. This is a true mountain refuge, not a staffed hut—expect self-sufficiency and an early start if you're summiting nearby peaks.
Book through the Parc National des Écrins office in Gap or contact local hiking clubs affiliated with FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne). July and August are busy; aim to confirm your stay 4–6 weeks ahead. Outside peak season, a phone call to the guardian days before arrival usually secures a bed. Bring a headtorch, a warm sleeping bag, and water purification tablets.
The cabin sleeps 5 people in simple dormitory or mixed arrangement. It has a wood stove for heating, basic kitchen equipment, and cold running water. Bring your own food, fuel, or contact the guardian beforehand if provisions are needed. There are no meals provided, no showers, and no electricity. The season is June through September; winter use requires advance arrangement with the Parc National des Écrins. This is a true mountain refuge, not a staffed hut—expect self-sufficiency and an early start if you're summiting nearby peaks.
Book through the Parc National des Écrins office in Gap or contact local hiking clubs affiliated with FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne). July and August are busy; aim to confirm your stay 4–6 weeks ahead. Outside peak season, a phone call to the guardian days before arrival usually secures a bed. Bring a headtorch, a warm sleeping bag, and water purification tablets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the refuge manager directly as far ahead as possible; with only 5 beds, availability is extremely limited and booking windows vary.
Open year-round, but winter access (December–March) is difficult and requires avalanche awareness; summer is June to October for reliable conditions.
Hike from Vallée du Fournel on a marked path; allow 2–3 hours depending on fitness and snow coverage.
Simple dormitory with 5 beds total; bring a sleeping bag and expect basic, communal accommodation.
Not ideal for beginners; the remote location, tiny capacity, and winter access difficulty suit experienced hikers planning scrambles or peak attempts.
Location
45.0896, 5.8669
Plan your visit
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2.7
Overall
Facilities
Access
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Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- PNF
- Total
- 5
Activities
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