Chalet Alpin de la Bérarde

Chalet Alpin de la Bérarde sits at 1,740m in the Vallée de la Bérarde, deep in the Parc National des Écrins. The hut lies at the road-end village of La Bérarde, making it the gateway to granite peaks and high passes that dominate this section of the massif. Approach on foot from La Bérarde village takes 30 minutes to the hut. Most hikers drive to La Bérarde (parking fills quickly in July and August), or hike in from lower valleys—expect 4–5 hours from Pont-de-Neffre at the valley mouth.
The hut operates year-round and sleeps 61 across shared dormitories. The FFCAM manages the property with standard alpine refuge meals: evening dinner with soup, main, dessert and bread; hot breakfast; packed lunches available. Showers and toilets are basic but functional. The location works equally well as a base for two or three-day trips into the Écrins high country—the Pic de la Grave, Col de l'Alpe and Pic Lory lie within reach—or as an overnight stop on longer traverses. Weather and rockfall can block access in winter; call ahead before December trips.
Book directly with the hut by phone. July and August weekends fill weeks ahead; if planning a peak-season visit, call 3–4 weeks in advance. May, June, September and October typically have better availability. Winter hours are limited; confirm opening dates before winter trips. The hut holds beds for FFCAM members but welcomes all climbers with advance notice.