Refuge D'Avérole

Refuge d'Avérole sits at 2,210m in the Chaîne de Belledonne, above the Isère Valley in Savoie. Reach it from the village of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse via the GR9 trail, a steady 4–5 hour climb through forest and alpine meadow. The final approach crosses open terrain with good waymarking. You can also access it from Chamrousse to the north, a longer variant that takes 6 hours. The hut sits on the border of Parc National de la Vanoise and works well as a base for traversing the Belledonne or pushing toward higher peaks.
The refuge holds 85 beds across dormitory rooms. Half-board is standard: packed lunch and dinner included with a basic mountain meal format. Water comes from a reliable spring. A wood stove and communal heating keep the hut warm through the shoulder season. The guardian operates from mid-June to late September, though exact dates shift year to year depending on snow cover. Winter access is technically possible but requires alpine skills and avalanche awareness; the hut offers winter shelter on a first-come basis without services.
Call ahead to check availability and confirm the opening date for your planned visit. July and August book solid 8–10 weeks in advance, especially weekends. June and September have more flexibility. The hut takes reservations by phone with a deposit. Arrive early in the day if you haven't booked; the guardian keeps beds for walk-ins when possible. Mobile signal is weak or absent, so call from the village before heading up.