Refuge de Chaligne / Rifugio Chaligne

Refuge de Chaligne sits at 1939m on the border between the Hautes-Alpes and Savoie departments in the Parc National de la Vanoise. The hut serves as a base for hikers crossing the Chaîne de la Vanoise and accessing remote valleys. Approach from Modane via the Vallée de l'Arc, with the final ascent taking around 4–5 hours on foot from the nearest road access. The location puts you in open alpine terrain with access to peaks over 3000m and backcountry traverse routes across the park.
The refuge operates as a simple mountain base with 32 beds in mixed dormitories. Meals are provided by the guardian (half-board typically required). There's no shower; water comes from a spring. The hut runs year-round but staffing and meal service depend on season—summer (July–August) is fully operational, while shoulder seasons and winter require advance notice. The FFCAM manages the refuge, so standards follow French alpine hut conventions: basic but functional.
Book directly by email or phone at least 6 weeks ahead for July and August. July is the busiest month. Outside July–August, aim for 2–3 weeks' notice. Confirm whether you're arriving for half-board (dîner + breakfast) or bed-only. Winter visits require coordination with the guardian in advance. Payment is typically cash or bank transfer. The hut is not staffed daily in low season, so calling ahead is essential to confirm access and meal availability.