Refuge du Bois

Refuge du Bois sits at 1,450m in the Tarentaise valley, a solid base for hiking in the northern Vanoise approaches. You reach it from the village of Bois-Cenis by a 2-hour trail that gains 400m steadily through mixed forest. The hut is accessible year-round on foot, though snow closes higher terrain in winter. Vehicle access exists to the trailhead, which cuts approach time if you arrive by car.

The refuge accommodates 40 people in dorm rooms and offers full-board or half-board stays. Meals are substantial—expect hearty mountain food prepared on-site. Hot showers are available, a rarity at this elevation and distance from town. The hut operates every day of the year, making it reliable for shoulder-season trips when many Alpine huts close. It's run by FFCAM volunteers and maintains the standard refectory setup: communal dining, simple but clean sleeping quarters, and a bar stocked with local drinks.

Book directly with the refuge by email or phone. July and August fill 4-6 weeks ahead. May, June, and September are easier to book last-minute. Winter and early spring are quieter, though snow conditions vary—call ahead if you're going October through April. The hut serves as a waypoint on longer valley routes, so some nights shift with through-hikers rather than base-camp visitors.