Refuge des Aiguilles D'Arves
3.6About
Refuge des Aiguilles d'Arves sits at 2,260m in the Chaîne de l'Arves, accessible from the valley town of Saint-Jean-d'Arves. The approach takes roughly 4 hours on foot via the GR55 trail, climbing steadily through alpine pasture and scree. You can also reach it in 3.5 hours from Plateau d'Arminda if you're coming from the eastern approach. The hut serves as a solid base for ascents of the Aiguilles d'Arves (3,514m), a mixed scramble that's popular with experienced alpinists, and for ridge traverses across the chain.
The refuge runs 39 beds across simple dormitory rooms. Meals are provided by the on-site keeper: hot dinner, breakfast, and packed lunches available. There's a small shop for supplies and emergency purchases. Water comes from mountain sources. The hut opens mid-June through September, closing earlier in poor snow years. Phone ahead to confirm opening dates in shoulder seasons.
Book directly by phone 3–4 months in advance for July and August weekends. Mid-week visits in June and September typically have more availability. Half-board (bed and meals) is mandatory. The hut operates under FFCAM management; members may receive a small discount. Staff speak French primarily, though English is sometimes available. Arrive early to secure water and rest before high-altitude days.
The refuge runs 39 beds across simple dormitory rooms. Meals are provided by the on-site keeper: hot dinner, breakfast, and packed lunches available. There's a small shop for supplies and emergency purchases. Water comes from mountain sources. The hut opens mid-June through September, closing earlier in poor snow years. Phone ahead to confirm opening dates in shoulder seasons.
Book directly by phone 3–4 months in advance for July and August weekends. Mid-week visits in June and September typically have more availability. Half-board (bed and meals) is mandatory. The hut operates under FFCAM management; members may receive a small discount. Staff speak French primarily, though English is sometimes available. Arrive early to secure water and rest before high-altitude days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 3–4 months in advance for July and August; call ahead to confirm availability and make a reservation.
The refuge is typically open June to September, though exact dates depend on weather and staffing—contact by phone to confirm current opening dates.
From Saint-Jean-d'Arves, take the GR55 trail for about 4 hours (roughly 900m elevation gain); alternatively, approach from Plateau d'Arminda in 3.5 hours.
The refuge serves dinner and breakfast; basic dormitory beds (39 total capacity) and cold water available—bring a sleeping bag liner and expect standard Alpine hut conditions.
The approach hike is moderate and accessible for fit hikers, but the refuge is primarily a base for experienced mountaineers tackling the Aiguilles d'Arves (3,514m) scramble, which requires scrambling skills.
Location
45.1182, 6.3752
Need a hotel nearby?
Staying in Hautes-Alpes before or after your hike? Compare hotels on Booking.com.
Search hotels in Hautes-AlpesBooked through Booking.com — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. More
Don't forget to book
This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
3.6
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM Club Alpin Français
- Total
- 39
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +33 4 79 59 01 77
- Website
- https://refugedesaiguillesdarves.ffcam.fr/
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.