Refuge de l'Alpe de Villar-d'Arène
5.0About
Refuge de l'Alpe de Villar-d'Arène sits at 2,071m on the eastern flank of the Écrins massif in the Hautes-Alpes. The hut is accessible via the Col du Lautaret from Grenoble (direction Briançon), then a 2–2.5 hour hike from Villar-d'Arène village. Most parties approach from the Vallée de la Romanche. The setting is high pasture country with views toward the Meije and Pic de la Grave.
The refuge holds 94 beds across multiple rooms. Half-board and full-board meals are standard; the kitchen handles vegetarian and vegan options if requested in advance. Hot showers are available (there is a charge). The hut operates year-round but staffing and services are reduced November to March. There is no WiFi. This is a working mountain hut, not a hotel; expect basic accommodation suited to hikers on multi-day traverses of the Écrins or crossing toward the Vanoise.
Book direct by phone well ahead if you plan to stay in July or August. May, June, September and October are quieter. The hut can accommodate walk-ins outside peak season, though calling ahead remains sensible. The FFCAM manages the refuge and provides full contact details through their website.
The refuge holds 94 beds across multiple rooms. Half-board and full-board meals are standard; the kitchen handles vegetarian and vegan options if requested in advance. Hot showers are available (there is a charge). The hut operates year-round but staffing and services are reduced November to March. There is no WiFi. This is a working mountain hut, not a hotel; expect basic accommodation suited to hikers on multi-day traverses of the Écrins or crossing toward the Vanoise.
Book direct by phone well ahead if you plan to stay in July or August. May, June, September and October are quieter. The hut can accommodate walk-ins outside peak season, though calling ahead remains sensible. The FFCAM manages the refuge and provides full contact details through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Call ahead to check availability—the refuge prefers phone contact rather than online booking, especially for July and August when it fills quickly.
The refuge operates June through September; contact them directly for exact opening and closing dates each season.
Drive to Villar-d'Arène village via Col du Lautaret from Grenoble, then hike 2 to 2.5 hours to the refuge at 2,071m.
The refuge has 94 beds, serves half-board and full-board meals, and has showers—but no WiFi.
Yes, the 2–2.5 hour approach hike is moderate and well-marked; it's a good option for hikers with basic fitness wanting a night in the Écrins.
Location
44.9962, 6.3845
HutLists Score
5.0
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM Club Alpin Français
- Total
- 94
Facilities
Showers
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +33 4 76 79 94 66
- Website
- https://refugealpedevillardarene.ffcam.fr/home.html
Activities
Featured In
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