Refuge du Nant du Beurre
2.6
Savoie, France
Write a review
About
Refuge du Nant du Beurre sits at 2,156m in the Parc National de la Vanoise, above the Tarentaise valley. The main approach follows the Nant du Beurre stream valley from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (1,425m), taking 3 to 4 hours uphill. The trail is well-marked and gains 730m steadily through alpine pasture and larch forest. In winter and early spring, snow may block access before June. You can also approach from the Glacier de la Vanoise side, but this is longer and requires mountain experience.
The refuge is a working hut run by FFCAM, accommodating around 50 people in dormitory rooms. The guardian serves evening meals and breakfast, with packed lunches available to order. Water comes from the stream. There are no showers or electricity beyond what powers essential systems. The hut typically opens mid-June through mid-September. It's a base for day hikes to Pointe de Nant du Beurre (2,617m) and the Glacier de la Vanoise, and sits on the popular GR5 long-distance route.
Book several weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Contact the Vanoise park or call ahead to confirm opening dates and current conditions. The refuge gets busy during July and August, particularly around weekends and the school holiday period (early to mid-August). Mid-June and September offer quieter visits with reliable access. Bring a sleeping bag even though bedding is provided—mountain huts often supply minimal covers.
The refuge is a working hut run by FFCAM, accommodating around 50 people in dormitory rooms. The guardian serves evening meals and breakfast, with packed lunches available to order. Water comes from the stream. There are no showers or electricity beyond what powers essential systems. The hut typically opens mid-June through mid-September. It's a base for day hikes to Pointe de Nant du Beurre (2,617m) and the Glacier de la Vanoise, and sits on the popular GR5 long-distance route.
Book several weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Contact the Vanoise park or call ahead to confirm opening dates and current conditions. The refuge gets busy during July and August, particularly around weekends and the school holiday period (early to mid-August). Mid-June and September offer quieter visits with reliable access. Bring a sleeping bag even though bedding is provided—mountain huts often supply minimal covers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 months ahead for July and August; earlier peaks fill up quickly in the Vanoise. Contact the refuge directly by phone or email, as they don't use online booking systems.
Open mid-June to mid-September, staffed daily during this period. Snow can block the main trail before late June.
Start from Pralognan-la-Vanoise and follow the Nant du Beurre stream valley for 3–4 hours uphill (730m gain); the trail is well-marked through larch forest and alpine pasture. A longer approach exists from Glacier de la Vanoise but requires mountaineering experience.
The refuge serves dinner and breakfast; bring your sleeping bag. There are no showers, but you can wash in the stream.
Yes—the main trail from Pralognan is a straightforward hiking route with steady but manageable grades; families with mountain experience and good fitness can handle it.
Location
45.5831, 6.5612
Plan your visit
Get directionsNeed a hotel nearby?
Staying in Savoie before or after your hike? Compare hotels on Booking.com.
Search hotels in SavoieBooked through Booking.com — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. More
Don't forget to book
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
2.6
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- PNF
Facilities
Meals served
Activities
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.