Cabin de la Ruche

Cabane de la Ruche sits at 2,547m in the Chaîne de Belledonne, roughly 1.5 hours' walk from Chalet de l'Alpe d'Huez. The approach climbs steadily through alpine meadow and scree. Most hikers start from the Alpe d'Huez ski resort and follow marked trails south. The cabin works as a base for day ascents of Pic Blanc (2,928m) and traverses across the Belledonne ridge. Winter access is unreliable; plan visits between June and September for stable conditions.
The cabin is a simple mountain shelter run by FFCAM with capacity for 12 people. You sleep in dormitory-style bunks. There is no guardian in residence, so you bring a stove and cook your own meals—water comes from a nearby stream. The shelter has basic weatherproofing and a small covered space for storage and cooking. Facilities are minimal: no electricity, no heating except what you generate yourself.
Book ahead by contacting the FFCAM section that manages the hut. Space fills quickly during July and August, especially weekends. Expect crowds if the weather window is good—the cabin is accessible to strong day-hikers, not just mountaineers. Check recent trip reports before visiting, as the condition of the shelter varies season to season. Bring a repair kit, stove fuel, and food. Mobile signal is unreliable.