Shelters

Haute Maurienne Vanoise is renowned for its many mountain refuges. Whether they're the starting or finishing point of a hike, the mountain hut wardens will provide you with an unforgettable experience, sharing their art of living at altitude. A place to meet and exchange ideas, these havens of peace in the heart of nature will leave you with images of marmots and blueberry tarts!

The refuges are all open in summer (remember to make reservations for overnight stays), but many are also accessible all year round, with "unguarded" rooms and bedrooms. Nevertheless, you can sleep there, make yourself something to eat, build a fire in a stove to keep warm and... meet other ski tourers.

In winter and spring, wardens are also on hand at some refuges to welcome you as they would in summer. An experience to be had at least once for lovers of ski touring and wide-open spaces.