About
Cabane du Merdaret sits at 2,516m in the Massif de la Vanoise, accessible from the Parc National de la Vanoise. Approach from the village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise via the Lac des Assiettes trail: allow 4–5 hours on foot. The final 400m gains altitude steeply but directly. In winter and early spring, avalanche risk on the approach makes this hut suitable only for experienced mountaineers with proper equipment and route knowledge.
The cabin is a small, unguarded refuge run by volunteers from the local climbing community. Capacity is around 15 people. There is no guardian (gardien) and no meals provided—bring all food and water. A wood stove provides heating. Basic sleeping platforms and blankets are available. The site opens seasonally from June through September, weather dependent. Winter visits require complete self-sufficiency and avalanche awareness.
Contact the Parc National de la Vanoise or Pralognan-la-Vanoise tourism office for current access conditions and cabin status. Do not assume the hut is open; conditions change with season and maintenance. Arrive with supplies for the full stay. Respect the volunteer-maintained facilities and pack out all waste.
The cabin is a small, unguarded refuge run by volunteers from the local climbing community. Capacity is around 15 people. There is no guardian (gardien) and no meals provided—bring all food and water. A wood stove provides heating. Basic sleeping platforms and blankets are available. The site opens seasonally from June through September, weather dependent. Winter visits require complete self-sufficiency and avalanche awareness.
Contact the Parc National de la Vanoise or Pralognan-la-Vanoise tourism office for current access conditions and cabin status. Do not assume the hut is open; conditions change with season and maintenance. Arrive with supplies for the full stay. Respect the volunteer-maintained facilities and pack out all waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the volunteer managers directly well ahead of your visit; this small refuge fills quickly in July and August, so aim for at least 2–3 months' notice.
The refuge operates June to September; check locally before visiting as volunteer staffing can vary.
Start from Pralognan-la-Vanoise village and follow the Lac des Assiettes trail for 4–5 hours; the final 400m ascent is steep and direct.
Expect basic mountain hut conditions: bunk beds, a stove for cooking, and no shower or hot water—bring a sleeping bag and be self-sufficient for meals.
No—the steep final approach and remote location suit experienced hikers and mountaineers only; winter and early spring approaches carry serious avalanche risk.
Location
45.6946, 6.4959
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