Refuge du Col du Petit Cucheron
4.3About
Refuge du Col du Petit Cucheron sits at 1,228m in the Isère foothills, on the col between the Chaîne de Belledonne and the Grandes Rousses. Access is straightforward: drive to the Col du Petit Cucheron parking area and walk 30 minutes to the hut. Most hikers approach from the Grenoble direction via the D280 towards Allevard. The hut works as a base for day walks across the col and ridge traverses in either range. Winter access depends on snow clearance of the approach road.
The refuge is a small unstaffed shelter with 4 beds arranged in one or two rooms. There is no guardian, no meals service, and no running water or electricity. You'll need a sleeping bag, mat, and torch. A woodburner provides some warmth. The hut keeps a visitor logbook. It functions year-round, though winter visits demand self-sufficiency and route-finding experience. FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne) oversees maintenance through their local section.
Access is free—there's no booking system and no warden to collect fees. Leave the hut as you find it and sign the logbook. Check locally about current access conditions and road closure dates on the approach, especially November to April. Bring all food, water, and supplies. This is a basic mountaineer's shelter for independent groups, not a staffed refuge.
The refuge is a small unstaffed shelter with 4 beds arranged in one or two rooms. There is no guardian, no meals service, and no running water or electricity. You'll need a sleeping bag, mat, and torch. A woodburner provides some warmth. The hut keeps a visitor logbook. It functions year-round, though winter visits demand self-sufficiency and route-finding experience. FFCAM (Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne) oversees maintenance through their local section.
Access is free—there's no booking system and no warden to collect fees. Leave the hut as you find it and sign the logbook. Check locally about current access conditions and road closure dates on the approach, especially November to April. Bring all food, water, and supplies. This is a basic mountaineer's shelter for independent groups, not a staffed refuge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the refuge directly by phone or email at least 2-3 weeks ahead, especially for weekends; with only 4 beds, availability fills quickly.
Open June to September for summer hiking season; winter access is unreliable due to snow on the approach road.
Drive to Col du Petit Cucheron parking area via D280 from Grenoble towards Allevard, then walk 30 minutes to the hut.
Basic mountain hut with 4 beds; bring a sleeping bag, and confirm meal availability when booking since the small capacity limits services.
Yes—the 30-minute approach is straightforward, making it ideal for beginners wanting an easy overnight in the mountains before attempting more serious ridge traverses in the Belledonne or Grandes Rousses.
Location
45.5064, 6.2590
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4.3
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Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
- Total
- 4
Facilities
Meals served
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