Refuge du Clos Raffin

Refuge du Clos Raffin sits at 2,213m in the Hautes-Alpes, on the eastern edge of the Ecrins massif. The standard approach is from Champoléon valley, starting near Saint-Firmin. The trail climbs steadily through forest and alpine meadow for roughly 3.5 hours. This is solid hiking terrain, not technical ground—the route gains 800m elevation over well-marked paths. The hut works as a basecamp for summer ridge walks and scrambles in the immediate area, and also serves hikers traversing between valleys.
The refuge manages around 30–40 beds in shared dormitories and a handful of private rooms. The guardian runs the kitchen May through September, serving evening meals and packed lunches. Water comes from a nearby spring. Facilities are basic: no showers, no electricity in the dorms. The hut is managed by FFCAM and maintains the typical refuge standard—clean, functional, focused on hiking rather than comfort. Winter is closed; confirm opening dates if you're traveling in shoulder months.
Book directly with the refuge by phone or email 4–6 weeks ahead for July and August. July weekends and the second week of August fill quickly. Single travellers often find space with less notice. Avoid turning up without a reservation mid-summer. The hut lies within Parc National des Écrins; respect park rules and check fire restrictions during dry spells.