Refuge de Buffère
4.3About
Refuge de Buffère sits at 2,076m in the Hautes-Alpes, accessible via the Vallon de la Buffère approach. The main hiking route takes 3–3.5 hours from the road head near Ancelle. The terrain is steep and exposed in sections; solid trail legs required. Summer access is straightforward; winter approach demands winter mountaineering skills and avalanche awareness.
The refuge operates year-round and sleeps 40 in dormitory beds. Meals are cooked on-site: dinner and breakfast included with overnight stays, lunch available to order. Water comes from the spring; toilets are pit latrines. There is no electricity or WiFi. The refuge serves as a base for hiking into the higher Chaîne de Devoluy and surrounding limestone plateaux. The surrounding terrain suits experienced hikers wanting remote ridges and technical scrambles.
Book by email or phone well ahead for July and August; these months fill fast. The refuge accepts walk-ins outside peak season if space allows, but calling ahead is essential to confirm availability and meal numbers. Winter bookings should be made weeks in advance. Contact the refuge directly for current rates, meal options, and precise opening dates.
The refuge operates year-round and sleeps 40 in dormitory beds. Meals are cooked on-site: dinner and breakfast included with overnight stays, lunch available to order. Water comes from the spring; toilets are pit latrines. There is no electricity or WiFi. The refuge serves as a base for hiking into the higher Chaîne de Devoluy and surrounding limestone plateaux. The surrounding terrain suits experienced hikers wanting remote ridges and technical scrambles.
Book by email or phone well ahead for July and August; these months fill fast. The refuge accepts walk-ins outside peak season if space allows, but calling ahead is essential to confirm availability and meal numbers. Winter bookings should be made weeks in advance. Contact the refuge directly for current rates, meal options, and precise opening dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead for July and August; contact the refuge by email or phone. Winter stays require advance notice due to limited staffing.
The refuge operates year-round, though winter access is restricted to those with mountaineering skills and avalanche knowledge.
Hike 3–3.5 hours from the road head near Ancelle via the Vallon de la Buffère; the terrain is steep and exposed in sections, requiring solid fitness.
Dinner and breakfast are cooked on-site and included with your stay; the refuge has 40 dormitory beds and basic mountain facilities (no flush toilets or WiFi).
Not for beginners—the 3.5-hour approach is steep and exposed; summer visitors need good fitness and hill experience, and winter ascents require mountaineering competence.
Location
45.0127, 6.5707
HutLists Score
4.3
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +33 4 92 21 34 03
- Website
- https://refugebuffere.com/
Activities
Featured In
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