La Casermetta
1.4
2,365m
Savoie, France
About
La Casermetta sits at 2,365m in the Tarentaise valley, deep in the Parc National de la Vanoise. The hut is reached from the village of Champagny-en-Vanoise via the Lac de la Gitaz trail, a steady 4-hour climb gaining 900m through larch forest and alpine meadow. The final section crosses open terrain with views toward Mont-Blanc. A shorter approach exists from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (5–6 hours, starting at 1,400m), though it involves more elevation gain. Winter access requires ski mountaineering skills and avalanche awareness.
The hut is operated by FFCAM and offers 50 places in mixed dormitory rooms. The guardian serves hearty evening meals and breakfast. Water comes from the glacial stream nearby; toilets are basic. The hut opens mid-June through mid-September, weather permitting. The 2,365m elevation makes it an efficient jumping-off point for approaches to Pointe de la Réchasse (2,934m) and trails into the heart of the Vanoise massif. Day hiking toward Lac Merlet or Lac de la Fontaine is straightforward and popular.
Book directly with FFCAM or through their website. July and August fill quickly; reserve 8 weeks ahead for midsummer. June and September offer fewer crowds and cooler conditions. Note that the hut rarely turns away walkers outright—expect a tight bunk and a spot on the floor during peak weeks. Bring a sleeping bag regardless of season; nights at this elevation are cold.
The hut is operated by FFCAM and offers 50 places in mixed dormitory rooms. The guardian serves hearty evening meals and breakfast. Water comes from the glacial stream nearby; toilets are basic. The hut opens mid-June through mid-September, weather permitting. The 2,365m elevation makes it an efficient jumping-off point for approaches to Pointe de la Réchasse (2,934m) and trails into the heart of the Vanoise massif. Day hiking toward Lac Merlet or Lac de la Fontaine is straightforward and popular.
Book directly with FFCAM or through their website. July and August fill quickly; reserve 8 weeks ahead for midsummer. June and September offer fewer crowds and cooler conditions. Note that the hut rarely turns away walkers outright—expect a tight bunk and a spot on the floor during peak weeks. Bring a sleeping bag regardless of season; nights at this elevation are cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 4–6 months ahead for July and August; La Casermetta fills quickly due to its location in Parc National de la Vanoise. Contact the hut directly by phone or email—they don't use online booking systems.
La Casermetta is staffed from mid-June to mid-September; it's accessible year-round for ski mountaineers but unstaffed outside summer.
The standard approach is 4 hours from Champagny-en-Vanoise via Lac de la Gitaz (900m gain); a longer 5–6 hour route starts from Pralognan-la-Vanoise at 1,400m elevation.
La Casermetta offers dorm beds, basic meals (dinner and breakfast), and a small kitchen; shower access is limited and requires melted water.
No—the 4-hour approach with 900m elevation gain and high-altitude terrain demands solid fitness and mountain experience; this is a hut for competent walkers.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- PNF
- Season
- –
- Total
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
Facilities
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- Website
- https://www.abitarelestremo.it/la-casermetta-eng/