Easy
About
Cabane du Mont Dondon stands at 1,425m on the eastern slopes of Mont Dondon in Isère, between the Vercors and Belledonne ranges. The hut sits above the Chapareillan valley, accessible via a 2–2.5 hour walk from the Parking de Chapareillan trailhead. The route climbs steadily through mixed forest before opening onto alpine pasture near the cabin. This is a working base for ridge traversals and peak bagging in the lower northern Alps rather than a hub hut on a major GR route.
The cabin is a simple, unstaffed shelter with 8 beds split across two rooms. You'll find basic sleeping platforms, a wood stove for heating, and a small covered area outside. There's no electricity, running water, or prepared meals—bring a camping stove, food, and water. The hut is open year-round, though snow access becomes serious from December through March. Summer and autumn are the practical seasons for most visitors.
This is a refuge for self-sufficient groups, not a serviced mountain hut. Book ahead through the local commune or the CAF (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne) Chapareillan section if you need confirmation of availability and condition. Check access routes and snow conditions locally before departing—the final approach can be wet or muddy in spring and early summer.
The cabin is a simple, unstaffed shelter with 8 beds split across two rooms. You'll find basic sleeping platforms, a wood stove for heating, and a small covered area outside. There's no electricity, running water, or prepared meals—bring a camping stove, food, and water. The hut is open year-round, though snow access becomes serious from December through March. Summer and autumn are the practical seasons for most visitors.
This is a refuge for self-sufficient groups, not a serviced mountain hut. Book ahead through the local commune or the CAF (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne) Chapareillan section if you need confirmation of availability and condition. Check access routes and snow conditions locally before departing—the final approach can be wet or muddy in spring and early summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the hut directly at least 2–3 months ahead, especially for weekends; it has only 8 beds and fills quickly during summer.
The hut is typically staffed from June to September, though exact dates depend on snow melt and staffing—confirm opening dates before your trip.
Start from the Parking de Chapareillan trailhead and hike 2–2.5 hours uphill through forest and alpine pasture to reach the cabin at 1,425m.
It's a simple mountain cabin with 8 beds; bring your own sleeping bag, food, and water—there are no meals, showers, or amenities beyond basic shelter.
Yes—the approach is steady but not technical, making it good for fit hikers new to hut-to-hut travel, though the spartan conditions suit mountaineers more than casual hikers.
Location
45.4614, 6.2049
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This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
2.7
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
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