Refuge de l'Olan

Refuge de l'Olan stands at 2,344m in the Hautes-Alpes, deep in the Parc National des Écrins. Approach from the Vallouise valley via the village of Ailefroide. The standard route from Ailefroide takes 4 to 5 hours on a well-marked trail that climbs steadily through larch forest before opening onto alpine meadow. The path is rocky in places but straightforward. Horse and mule transport can carry supplies and personal gear during summer months if you arrange it ahead.
The refuge sleeps 54 across dormitory rooms. Half-board (bed, dinner, breakfast) is the standard arrangement. The kitchen produces solid mountain food—expect hearty soups, local cheese, and substantial mains. Water comes from a spring at the hut. Toilets are basic but functional. The hut operates from mid-June to mid-September, depending on snow conditions. It serves as a base for day walks into the surrounding granite peaks and as a waypoint on longer traverses through the Écrins massif.
Contact the refuge by phone to check availability and book, especially for July and August when it fills regularly. Weekends book ahead, but mid-week slots often have availability. The hut is managed by FFCAM, and FFCAM club members receive discounted rates. Arrive early in the day if walking in; the staff prepare evening meals at set times. Winter access is possible for experienced mountaineers in dry conditions, but the hut is not staffed.