Mountain hut · Écrins National Park
Alpe de Villar-d'Arêne refuge
Choose dates and guestsInformation
- From
- €22 / bed
- With a dog
- The refuge allows dogs; check whether your route crosses the park's core zone, where they are banned
- Where
- Villar-d'Arêne
Staffed from 11 June to 20 September 2026. Night without meals from €22.50 for the public; €11.25 for FFCAM members. Cards not accepted.
A valley refuge, easy to reach
The Alpe de Villar-d'Arêne refuge belongs to the Fédération française des clubs alpins et de montagne (FFCAM) and stands at 2,071 m, in the upper Romanche valley, near La Grave. It is one of the easiest refuges in the Écrins: from the Pont d'Arsine car park you reach it in an hour and a half along an easy path, with one steep stretch, and the house itself presents it as a family outing. It carries the federation's family-friendly refuge label. The warden is Mélanie Martinot.
When it is open and what is there
In summer 2026 it is staffed from 11 June to 20 September; in spring, from 28 February to 9 May and from 19 to 23 May. When staffed it has 94 places, showers, heating and wifi, and serves light food all day and a lunchtime menu from 12:00 to 15:00 for those passing through without staying. Outside those dates a 25-place winter room stays open in a small building behind the main one, without water or electricity, at €8 a night.
How much it costs
A night, without meals, costs €22.50 for an adult non-member; €15.75 for ages 8 to 18; €5 for under-8s. Members of the FFCAM and of clubs with reciprocal agreements pay €11.25. If you bring your own food, there is a €4 supplement per night. The tourist tax, €0.66 per person per night, is paid there. The website does not publish the half-board price: ask when booking. They do not accept cards, so go up with cash.
How to book and get there
When the refuge is open, the warden prefers bookings by phone, on 09 88 19 19 97 (she does not listen to voicemail) or by text message to +33 6 86 15 78 10. You can also book on the website. Groups should speak to the warden first.
You walk up from the Pont d'Arsine, at 1,710 m: 4.4 km, 400 m of ascent, an hour and a half up and an hour back. In summer you can also arrive from the Col du Lautaret, in an hour and a half along a steep path, or from Le Casset, in three hours.
Practical details
- Phone
- +33 9 88 19 19 97
- Capacity
- 94
Facilities
- Showers
- Restaurant
- Heating
- Wi-Fi
Policies
- Payment
- Cards not accepted; tourist tax of €0.66 per night, paid at the refuge
- Pets
- Dogs allowed, also outside the staffed season
- Also
- Outside the season a 25-place winter room stays open, without water or electricity, at €8 a night
Tips
- Bring cash You cannot pay by card.
- Call, do not leave a message The answerphone is not listened to: if no one answers, send a text.
- A first night in a refuge with children The climb is short and the house is designed for families.
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat without sleeping?
Yes, when the refuge is staffed there is light food all day and a menu from 12:00 to 15:00.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, the refuge accepts them. Check whether your route passes through the park's core zone, where they are banned.
How long does the climb take?
An hour and a half from the Pont d'Arsine.
Are there showers?
Yes, when the refuge is staffed.
On footAs a familyWith a dog