Refuge du Ruitor

Refuge du Ruitor sits at 2,338m on the Chaîne de la Tarentaise, in upper Savoie near the Parc National de la Vanoise. The hut is reached from the village of Bonneval-en-Tarentaise via the Lac de Tignes track—roughly 2 hours 30 minutes on foot. The approach is steady and well-marked, gaining 700m elevation. Most parties start early to ensure arrival before evening. The setting is exposed alpine terrain with extensive views across the Vanoise massif to the south and Mont-Blanc ranges to the north.
The refuge runs with a capacity around 40 beds in shared dormitories. Meals are available (book dinner and breakfast when you reserve). Water comes from snowmelt and mountain streams. The hut operates summer season only, typically mid-June to mid-September, depending on snow conditions. Facilities are basic but functional—expect no shower facilities and limited power. The hut serves as a base for scrambling on Pointe du Ruitor (2,600m) and traverses into the Vanoise proper.
Book directly by email or phone as early as possible. July and August fill rapidly—aim for 6 weeks ahead. The hut closes immediately after mid-September, so confirm dates before driving to the valley. Note that the access track becomes impassable after heavy rain, and early or late season visits may find snow on higher sections of the approach.