Refuge de la Leisse
4.3About
Refuge de la Leisse stands at 2,487m in the Massif de la Vanoise, in Savoie. You reach it from the Pralognan-la-Vanoise valley. The approach takes 2.5 to 3 hours from Pralognan village, following well-marked trails through larch forest before opening to alpine meadow. The hut sits on a working route between the Vanoise massif and surrounding peaks, making it a solid base for day hikes into the Parc National de la Vanoise or as a night stop on multi-day traverses. The trail is straightforward but gains 1,200m from the valley floor.
The refuge operates as a traditional mountain hut with around 30 beds in shared dormitories. Meals are served family-style at set times. The kitchen provides dinner and breakfast; packed lunches are available to order. Showers are available—a useful feature at this elevation. The hut typically opens June through September, depending on snow conditions. Staffing is seasonal, so conditions vary; check current status before heading out.
Book directly by email or phone as soon as your dates are fixed. July and August fill quickly, sometimes 4 to 6 weeks ahead. June and September are more flexible. Confirm opening dates with the guardian before your trip, especially early or late season. If the hut is full, staff can advise on camping options nearby or suggest alternative refuges in the massif.
The refuge operates as a traditional mountain hut with around 30 beds in shared dormitories. Meals are served family-style at set times. The kitchen provides dinner and breakfast; packed lunches are available to order. Showers are available—a useful feature at this elevation. The hut typically opens June through September, depending on snow conditions. Staffing is seasonal, so conditions vary; check current status before heading out.
Book directly by email or phone as soon as your dates are fixed. July and August fill quickly, sometimes 4 to 6 weeks ahead. June and September are more flexible. Confirm opening dates with the guardian before your trip, especially early or late season. If the hut is full, staff can advise on camping options nearby or suggest alternative refuges in the massif.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August, especially weekends. Contact the refuge by phone or email—they respond reliably to both.
Refuge de la Leisse is staffed from mid-June to mid-September, weather dependent.
Start from Pralognan-la-Vanoise village and allow 2.5 to 3 hours via well-marked trails through larch forest and alpine meadow to reach the hut at 2,487m.
The refuge offers beds, meals, and hot showers—a rarity at this altitude, so book if hot water matters to you.
Yes. The 2.5–3 hour approach is straightforward with no scrambling, and the hut is an ideal base for moderate day hikes in Vanoise or a comfortable night stop on longer traverses.
Location
45.3969, 6.8824
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This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
4.3
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- FFCAM
Facilities
Showers
Meals served
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +339 72 40 03 23
- Website
- https://refuge-leisse.vanoise.com/
Activities
Featured In
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