Refuge Évariste Chancel
4.3About
Refuge Évariste Chancel sits at 2,508m in the Hautes-Alpes, on the edge of Parc National des Écrins. It's a working base for climbers and hikers tackling the higher peaks around Mont Pelvoux and the Barre des Écrins massif. Access is via the Vallouise valley. The approach takes roughly 4 hours from Ailefroide on foot, gaining 1,000m through steep terrain and scree slopes. Horse transport is available for heavy loads in summer. Winter access is complex and requires mountaineering experience.
The refuge holds around 60 people in dorm rooms. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is mandatory—the kitchen serves hearty mountain food cooked on-site. Hot showers and flush toilets function year-round. There's no mobile signal or WiFi; you'll be offline. The hut operates mid-June through mid-September, with a spring opening in May for experienced parties. A full-time guardian is present during the main season. This is an FFCAM-affiliated hut run to high standards.
Book by early June for July and August. Contact the hut directly by phone or post a reservation through alpine-huts.com. Saturday nights fill weeks in advance. The hut is quiet mid-week. Arrive early if you're climbing Mont Pelvoux the next day—the refuge fills with 4am wake-up calls and an orderly queue at the stove.
The refuge holds around 60 people in dorm rooms. Half-board (dinner and breakfast) is mandatory—the kitchen serves hearty mountain food cooked on-site. Hot showers and flush toilets function year-round. There's no mobile signal or WiFi; you'll be offline. The hut operates mid-June through mid-September, with a spring opening in May for experienced parties. A full-time guardian is present during the main season. This is an FFCAM-affiliated hut run to high standards.
Book by early June for July and August. Contact the hut directly by phone or post a reservation through alpine-huts.com. Saturday nights fill weeks in advance. The hut is quiet mid-week. Arrive early if you're climbing Mont Pelvoux the next day—the refuge fills with 4am wake-up calls and an orderly queue at the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; other months require less notice. Contact the refuge directly by phone or email.
Open mid-June to mid-September, staffed daily during that period.
Hike 4 hours from Ailefroide in the Vallouise valley, gaining 1,000m over steep terrain and scree; horse transport for gear is available in summer.
Full meals served daily; showers and flush toilets available, but no WiFi.
No—the 4-hour approach involves sustained steep climbing and scree; it's best suited to experienced hikers with good fitness preparing for alpine climbing.
Location
45.0269, 6.2712
HutLists Score
4.3
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- PNF
Facilities
Showers
Meals served
Flush toilets
Contact & Booking
- Website
- https://www.refuge-chancel.com/
Activities
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
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