Refuge Agnel D'hiver
3.4About
Refuge Agnel d'Hiver stands at 2,582m on the Col Agnel between the Vallée de l'Ubaye and Italy. Access from the French side takes 2.5 hours from Jausiers on foot—follow the GR5 and Col Agnel trail, or ascend from Abriès in 3.5 hours via the Vallée du Queyras. The hut sits exposed on the ridge. You can also approach from the Italian side, adding 1–2 hours depending on your route. Winter access is unreliable; the hut name reflects its seasonal closure from November to early summer.
The refuge manages 40 beds in dormitory rooms. Meals are basic: set-menu dinner and breakfast available if you book ahead. Water and fuel are limited at this altitude. The hut is unmanned for much of the year, so contact FFCAM before visiting. Opening dates shift annually depending on snow cover—May onwards is typical for summer season. The setting is austere. Facilities are minimal: no showers, composting toilets only. The hut serves mountaineers crossing the Alps and hikers on the GR5. Expect cold nights and winds even in summer.
Book through FFCAM Ubaye-Queyras well in advance for July–August weekends. The hut fills with GR5 hikers June–September. Outside peak season, you may find limited services or closure. Check the FFCAM website or call the federation for current opening dates and staffing status before planning your trip.
The refuge manages 40 beds in dormitory rooms. Meals are basic: set-menu dinner and breakfast available if you book ahead. Water and fuel are limited at this altitude. The hut is unmanned for much of the year, so contact FFCAM before visiting. Opening dates shift annually depending on snow cover—May onwards is typical for summer season. The setting is austere. Facilities are minimal: no showers, composting toilets only. The hut serves mountaineers crossing the Alps and hikers on the GR5. Expect cold nights and winds even in summer.
Book through FFCAM Ubaye-Queyras well in advance for July–August weekends. The hut fills with GR5 hikers June–September. Outside peak season, you may find limited services or closure. Check the FFCAM website or call the federation for current opening dates and staffing status before planning your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; earlier in the season (June, September) you can often book 4–6 weeks out.
Open early June to late September; the name 'd'hiver' is historical—it is not staffed or reliably accessible in winter.
From Jausiers, follow the GR5 to Col Agnel in 2.5 hours; alternatively, start from Abriès via Vallée du Queyras in 3.5 hours; you can also approach from Italy, adding 1–2 hours.
Standard Alpine refuge with dorm beds, meals, and basic amenities; bring a sleeping bag liner, as showers are limited or absent at this exposed ridge location.
Not for beginners—the exposed ridge setting, high altitude (2,582m), and multi-hour approaches demand solid fitness and mountain experience; best for intermediate to advanced hikers.
Location
44.6915, 6.9716
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3.4
Overall
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Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Total
- 40
Facilities
Meals served
Activities
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