Moderate
About
Cabane de l'Essaure sits at 1653m in the Isère Alps, serving as a base for hiking and ski-mountaineering in the mid-altitude terrain between the Chartreuse and Belledonne ranges. Access is on foot from the valley; most parties approach via Entremont-le-Vieux, a 2–3 hour hike depending on snow conditions and your fitness. The cabin is small and remote—plan accordingly.
The hut sleeps 6 in basic dormitory beds. Meals are not provided, so bring all food and fuel for cooking. There is no drinking water on-site, no showers, and no flush toilets. You'll manage with a composting toilet and meltwater or snow for washing. The cabin opens year-round for mountaineers and hikers, though winter access requires mountain skills and avalanche awareness. Summer is June to September; winter mountaineering traffic peaks March to April.
Contact the FFCAM Chartreuse section or local hiking guides in Entremont-le-Vieux for current conditions and access details. Book directly with the hut keeper if one is present, or arrange keys in advance through FFCAM. This is a climber's hut, not a staffed refuge—bring a headtorch, stove fuel, warm sleeping gear, and winter equipment if you go between November and April. Water sourcing and weather assessment are your responsibility.
The hut sleeps 6 in basic dormitory beds. Meals are not provided, so bring all food and fuel for cooking. There is no drinking water on-site, no showers, and no flush toilets. You'll manage with a composting toilet and meltwater or snow for washing. The cabin opens year-round for mountaineers and hikers, though winter access requires mountain skills and avalanche awareness. Summer is June to September; winter mountaineering traffic peaks March to April.
Contact the FFCAM Chartreuse section or local hiking guides in Entremont-le-Vieux for current conditions and access details. Book directly with the hut keeper if one is present, or arrange keys in advance through FFCAM. This is a climber's hut, not a staffed refuge—bring a headtorch, stove fuel, warm sleeping gear, and winter equipment if you go between November and April. Water sourcing and weather assessment are your responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the guardian directly as far in advance as possible; with only 6 beds, availability is tight during summer weekends and ski season.
Open year-round, but staffing and access depend on snow conditions—reliable access is June to October for hiking, December to April for ski-mountaineering.
Approach from Entremont-le-Vieux, a 2–3 hour hike depending on snow and fitness; this is a mountain hut, not a groomed trail.
6 dormitory beds, no meals provided, no drinking water or showers—bring all food, fuel, and water you'll need.
No; it's a remote, basic cabin requiring self-sufficiency, navigation skills, and fitness for a 2–3 hour approach hike in variable conditions.
Location
44.7871, 5.5579
HutLists Score
2.0
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Total
- 6
Contact & Booking
- Website
- https://www.refuges.info/point/15/cabane-non-gardee/Vercors/Abri-de-l-Essaure
Activities
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.