Refuge du Pigeonnier
4.3About
Refuge du Pigeonnier sits at 2,423m in the Hautes-Alpes, on the eastern edge of Parc National des Écrins. The hut is accessible from the Vallouise valley via the Glacier Blanc trail. Most hikers reach it in 4–5 hours from Pelvoux village, gaining roughly 1,100m elevation. The route follows a well-marked path through alpine meadows and scree to the hut's position overlooking glacial terrain. Winter access is unreliable; the approach route faces avalanche exposure and snowpack issues.
The refuge holds 52 beds across multiple rooms and operates a full kitchen with fixed menus for dinner and breakfast. Showers are available—rare at this altitude, worth noting if you're staying multiple nights. The hut is staffed from June through September, though the exact opening date shifts with snowmelt. It's a base for scrambling and mountaineering on Pic Coolidge, Mont Pelvoux, and glacier traverses. Hikers using it as a waypoint on multi-day routes through the Écrins also pass through regularly.
Book direct by phone as soon as your dates are confirmed, especially for weekends and July–August. The FFCAM manages the hut, so club membership may offer discounts. Call ahead in shoulder months (June, September) to confirm staffing before driving to Pelvoux valley. July and August demand 4–6 weeks' notice.
The refuge holds 52 beds across multiple rooms and operates a full kitchen with fixed menus for dinner and breakfast. Showers are available—rare at this altitude, worth noting if you're staying multiple nights. The hut is staffed from June through September, though the exact opening date shifts with snowmelt. It's a base for scrambling and mountaineering on Pic Coolidge, Mont Pelvoux, and glacier traverses. Hikers using it as a waypoint on multi-day routes through the Écrins also pass through regularly.
Book direct by phone as soon as your dates are confirmed, especially for weekends and July–August. The FFCAM manages the hut, so club membership may offer discounts. Call ahead in shoulder months (June, September) to confirm staffing before driving to Pelvoux valley. July and August demand 4–6 weeks' notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead for July and August; call ahead to confirm availability, as the 52-bed capacity fills quickly during peak season.
Open June to September; staffing and access depend on snow conditions, so confirm opening dates with the hut before planning a spring visit.
From Pelvoux village, follow the Glacier Blanc trail for 4–5 hours, gaining 1,100m elevation through alpine meadows and scree to reach the hut at 2,423m.
The hut offers dorm beds, meals, and showers; expect basic alpine refuge conditions with shared facilities.
Not ideal for beginners—the 4–5 hour approach at altitude with significant elevation gain and exposure to glacial terrain requires solid fitness and mountain experience.
Location
44.8549, 6.2849
HutLists Score
4.3
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM Club Alpin Français
- Total
- 52
Facilities
Showers
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +33 4 92 55 27 82
- Website
- https://refugedupigeonnier.ffcam.fr/
Activities
Featured In
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