Top 20 Huts and Cabins around Aussois

For families, the Refuge du Saut is an excellent choice. It is family-friendly, offers dormitories and rooms, and provides continuous catering. Another option is the Petit Mont Cenis Refuge, a former alpine chalet that is also family-friendly and offers food and overnight stays.

The huts around Aussois offer access to diverse natural landscapes. Near Rifugio Scarfiotti, you'll find a beautiful valley surrounded by waterfalls and lakes. The Vanoise National Park, where many huts are located, is characterized by its alpine environment, impressive peaks like Pointe d'Ambin and La Scolette, and stunning views of dams from refuges like Refuge de la Dent Parrachée.

Yes, the Cuchet Refuge is an unguarded refuge. It offers 24 places in dormitories with blankets and mattresses, a wood stove, and a fountain nearby for water in summer. While basic, it provides a self-sufficient mountain experience.

Most guarded huts, such as Refuge de Plan Sec, are typically open from mid-June to mid-September, which is ideal for summer hiking. For winter access, some refuges like Refuge du Fond d'Aussois and Refuge de la Dent Parrachée have permanently open winter sections with beds, even when unguarded, catering to ski touring and snowshoeing enthusiasts.

The huts serve as excellent bases for various outdoor activities. From Refuge de Plan Sec, you can hike to Pointe de l'Observatoire or Le Râteau d'Aussois. The L'Arpont Refuge is also a great starting point for high-mountain treks. For cycling, you can explore routes like the 'View of Lac du Plan d'Aval loop' or 'Sardières Church – Monolith Road loop' from Aussois. Find more details on these and other routes in the Cycling around Aussois guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Aussois guide.

Many huts offer catering services. For example, the Refuge du Saut provides continuous catering, and the Petit Mont Cenis Refuge offers food and overnight stays. Refuge du Fond d'Aussois emphasizes sustainability with biological or local products, including organic homemade bread. L'Arpont Refuge also provides full accommodation and catering services.

Yes, several huts are strategically located for multi-day treks. Refuge de Plan Sec is centrally located on the Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise and the GR5. Refuge du Fond d'Aussois is also a great starting point for multi-day tours like the Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise. Refuge de la Dent Parrachée, situated on the GR5 and GR55, provides a base for more challenging treks and segments of the Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise.

Some huts are relatively accessible. Refuge de Plan Sec is about a 1.5-hour walk from the Plan d'Aval parking area or a 30-minute walk from the Grand Jeu chairlift arrival. The Petit Mont Cenis Refuge is even reachable by car in the summer. For other huts, you might need to hike, with varying distances and elevation gains.

Visitors appreciate the unique atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings. Many enjoy the peaceful and exceptional environment within the Vanoise National Park, the breathtaking views of peaks and dams, and the opportunity for solitude and connection with the mountains. The hospitality and catering services, including local and homemade food, are also frequently highlighted.

When staying in huts within the Vanoise National Park, it's important to be aware of park regulations. For instance, bivouacking is generally prohibited near huts, as is the case around the Cuchet Refuge. However, some refuges like L'Arpont Refuge may allow bivouacs for a fee, with specific rules regarding tent setup times (e.g., 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.). Always check with the specific refuge for their rules.

Amenities vary by hut. Many guarded huts offer dormitories or private rooms, blankets, and catering services. Some, like Refuge de la Dent Parrachée, have bars, terraces, and showers (some payable). Refuge du Fond d'Aussois emphasizes sustainability with dry toilets and solar panels. Even unguarded huts like Cuchet Refuge provide basic comforts like mattresses, wood stoves, and water sources.