Le Gros Plané
2.7About
Le Gros Plané sits at 1,480m in the Vaud Alps, above the village of Leysin. Reach it from Leysin train station (take the cogwheel railway to Leysin, then hike 1.5 hours) or drive to the Leysin plateau and hike 45 minutes from the upper station. The hut is a base for walks across the Leysin plateau and serves as a waypoint on longer routes through the northern Vaud Alps.
The hut is a small, rustic SAC refuge run by volunteers. It sleeps around 30 in dormitory rooms with simple mattresses and blankets. Meals are basic but substantial—expect soup, pasta, and cheese dishes. There's no hot shower, no WiFi, and limited power. Water comes from a spring. The hut operates year-round but is most reliable during summer and weekends; winter visits need confirmation beforehand.
Book by phone or email directly with the hut keeper. The refuge gets busy on summer weekends and during school holidays—contact at least two weeks ahead for these periods. Midweek in May, September, and October offers easier access. Bring cash (the hut may accept card transfers but confirm first). The hut is unmanned on some weeknights in winter, so verify opening before you leave home.
The hut is a small, rustic SAC refuge run by volunteers. It sleeps around 30 in dormitory rooms with simple mattresses and blankets. Meals are basic but substantial—expect soup, pasta, and cheese dishes. There's no hot shower, no WiFi, and limited power. Water comes from a spring. The hut operates year-round but is most reliable during summer and weekends; winter visits need confirmation beforehand.
Book by phone or email directly with the hut keeper. The refuge gets busy on summer weekends and during school holidays—contact at least two weeks ahead for these periods. Midweek in May, September, and October offers easier access. Bring cash (the hut may accept card transfers but confirm first). The hut is unmanned on some weeknights in winter, so verify opening before you leave home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead for summer weekends; weekdays can often be arranged with shorter notice.
Le Gros Plané is staffed from late May to late September, with variable hours outside peak season—call ahead to confirm.
Take the cogwheel railway to Leysin village, then hike 1.5 hours; or drive to Leysin plateau and hike 45 minutes from the upper station.
Expect simple dormitory beds (around 30 places) with mattresses and blankets; meals are basic but hearty—book dinner and breakfast when you reserve.
Yes, it's a good base for families and casual hikers doing day walks on the Leysin plateau; the terrain is gentle and the 45-minute approach from the plateau is manageable for children.
Location
46.5529, 7.0029
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