Top 10 Huts and Cabins around Mont-De-Lans

Mont-De-Lans offers a diverse range of mountain huts, from accessible family-friendly refuges like Refuge des Clots, known for its tranquility, to historic high-mountain shelters such as Refuge de la Selle, providing a true alpine experience. You can find huts with catering services, private rooms, and even unique options like yurts.

Yes, Refuge des Clots is an ideal choice for families, especially for a first overnight hut experience. It's easily accessible, offers a welcoming environment, and provides opportunities to observe marmots, chamois, and butterflies. The refuge has 19 beds, catering services, and amenities like a large terrace and a slackline.

Several huts provide magnificent views. Pic du Mas de la Grave Refuge offers a 360° panorama of the Écrins, Aiguilles d'Arves, Grandes Rousses, Savoie, and Mont Blanc. The Refuge de la Selle is situated in a cirque dominated by the Pic de la Grave and Râteau, with views of retreating glaciers. The ascent to Col du Chardonnet from Refuge du Chardonnet also provides a splendid panorama of the Écrins Massif.

Amenities vary by hut. Many, like Refuge de la Muzelle and Refuge des Clots, offer catering services, including dinner, breakfast, and packed picnics upon request. Some provide mattresses, pillows, and duvets, while others might have indoor sanitation and hot showers. Refuge Évariste Chancel offers both dormitories and private rooms, and Refuge du Chardonnet even has the option to sleep in a yurt.

The best time depends on your activity. For general hiking and walking, most huts are open from mid-June to early September. For ski touring, huts like Refuge de la Selle are open from early April to mid-May, and Refuge du Chardonnet is guarded during Christmas holidays and from February to April. Always check specific hut opening dates, as some may also open on reservation during shoulder seasons like May or October weekends.

Yes, the Refuge de la Selle has a rich history, with structures dating back to 1878. The current refuge was built in 1970 and expanded in the 1990s. Additionally, Pic du Mas de la Grave Refuge is built on the ruins of the Baraques des Salomons, and Refuge des Clots features a small ecomuseum showcasing the history of the hamlet of Les Clots.

The area around Mont-De-Lans offers numerous outdoor activities. From the huts, you can embark on various hiking and ski touring routes. For example, Refuge de la Selle is a key point for alpine courses and summits, while Refuge du Chardonnet is a base for exploring the wild Chardonnet valley and ascending to Col du Chardonnet. You can also find nearby road cycling, touring bicycle, and gravel biking routes. For more details on cycling routes, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Mont-De-Lans, Cycling around Mont-De-Lans, and Gravel biking around Mont-De-Lans guides.

Refuge des Clots is described as a 'secret garden' due to its tranquil setting above Lake Chambon. It's known for opportunities to observe marmots, chamois, and butterflies. Nearby, you can discover the remarkable wetland of Lac du Lovitel and its discovery trail, as well as the 'Cascade de la Pisse,' one of the most beautiful petrifying waterfalls in the Alps.

Yes, Refuge de la Muzelle is beautifully situated in the heart of the Écrins National Park, overlooking the serene Muzelle lake. It offers a capacity of 70 beds and catering services.

Refuge Évariste Chancel, located on the La Grave - La Meije estate, provides a warm atmosphere and offers 40 beds divided into dormitories and private rooms, catering to different needs. It also has catering services for dinner or simple snacks.

Visitors frequently praise the warm welcome and delicious meals offered at many huts, such as the Auberge du Savel and Refuge Évariste Chancel. The stunning natural surroundings, panoramic views, and the opportunity for a peaceful escape into nature are also highly valued. Many appreciate the accessibility of some huts for families and the challenging alpine experiences offered by others.

Yes, Refuge des Clots serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the Emparis plateau and its stunning lakes. Additionally, Pic du Mas de la Grave Refuge also provides access to the Emparis plateau and its lakes, enabling crossings between the plateau and Goléon.