[in view of the crisis related to the Covid-19, the secretary of State to the minister of the ecological Transition, Emmanuelle Wargon, has announced the re-opening of the mountain huts from the 2 June. The openings will be gradual, subject to conditions and updates on the website of the FFCAM .]
2 225 m above sea level, walking shoes and socks just removed a couple installed on the terrace of the refuge Pilatte en Oisans is sipping a local beer while admiring the effects of the sunset on this incredible glacial cirque. In the distance, the screams of the children running after the chickens, which slaloment between the pebbles and the snowfields.
Contrary to popular belief, the mountain shelters are not reserved for mountaineers and climbers experienced ! These nests of altitude, rustic and a bit unusual, are privileged places of exchange and conviviality. The family audience is welcome to take advantage, also, of the exceptional environment. A simple night on these territories, altitude book, moreover, in addition to a good bowl of fresh air a rich experience of reconnecting to nature.
Matilda Dahuron guard this refuge in the face of the jewel Cases and puts a point of honor to welcome all audiences to the gates of the high mountain: “We take the time to welcome families and explain the operation of the refuge. It is our role to ensure that everyone feels comfortable. Usually the children are very soon,” smiled the guardian. This young mom, also a mountain guide, has set up the site in this sense: outdoor play spaces with nets, badminton and petanque ; inside social games, piano and projector in case of bad weather.
to Be up there, it is also the opportunity to learn and share: “Generally, people don’t come up here to stay in their corner, which is very good because we have messages to pass on.” The discussions are informal, on the terrace or during meals which are large gatherings. The eyes affûtent on the rocks millennia to see ibex and marmots and in the evening, no matter what the age : all eyes sparkle at the sight of a sky as pure and starry.
read also : Holidays in the mountains: our selection of new shelters chicsLe B. A.-BA for a stay in refuge Part of map, post-hike between ado, at the refuge Temple Ecrins. Jocelyn Chavy
In the shelter, the limited space and the coexistence makes the organization necessary. For you do not commit mistakes and get the best of your stay at altitude here are some tips and rules to follow :
Contact the warden in advance to book overnight stays and meals. on this occasion please do not hesitate to give the age of your children, and your special requests (high chair, cot…).Think of the headlamps for any nocturnal visits to the toilet without having to wake up the whole dorm !It does not fit into a shelter with his mountain shoes, clogs (type ‘crocs’) are available, but for your children plan of slippers in their shoe size.Although duvets and blankets are regularly cleaned, it is advisable to bring a sheet sleeping.Some hikers getting up at dawn, eat very early (18: 30) and shelters must be quiet after 21: 30.All shelters do not accept bank cards : plan for the species or a checkbook to pay on the spot. How to find appropriate shelter for his family ?
The French Federation of Alpine and Mountain Clubs (FFCAM), which manages 120 shelters in the massive French has published two guides specific identifying 57 shelters are well suited to families on the territory of Savoie Mont Blanc and the Ecrins massif. The places are selected based on ease of access (few minutes walk up to 3 hours of climb) and the layout of the refuge.
The environment is also taken into account: the proximity of lakes and rivers where fish and bathe, the variety of wildlife and heights accessible. The guardians and the guardians propose a cuisine adapted to specific activities in dedicated spaces, workshops, games, and a multitude of special touches that will delight the smallest of hikers.
Find the guides Refuges in Families which are downloadable on the site of the FFCAM and available in all Tourist Offices of these territories.
What rate to expect ?
The average price of a night in a refuge per person adult (dinner and breakfast) of 40€ ; for a child from 8 to 18 years old, he is around 10 € and for children under the age of 8, most of the time, it’s free !
Our five shelters favorite
Refuge of the Banner: massif des Grandes Rousses, French alps, 2430 m
The refuge of the Etendard is ideally located at the edge of the lake, Wailing. Collection FFCAM
This refuge, which is accessed by a 2 hour walk on the easy route up the Valley, is conveniently posted at the edge of the lake, Wailing. If more brave, opt for swimming, the others are new to fishing or going to the attack of streams and rocks to climb around. The exceptional site of the glacier de Saint-Sorlin is only a 2 hours walk, but the big walkers can attempt the ascent of the Needle of the Leaves to 2 879 million and perhaps touch the snow. This refuge is wisely organized with small dormitories sleeping 4 to 10 people for families to remain between them. In addition, the beds are equipped with duvets, well cozy !
Hut Standard-bearer, Saint-Sorlin-d’arves, 73530 Albiez-Montrond. Tel.: 04 79 59 74 96.
Refuge des Souffles: Valgaudemar, Hautes-Alpes, 1975 m
Wild, this valley is nicknamed “little Himalaya of Cases”. Thibaut Blais – collection FFCAM
Nicknamed “little Himalaya of Cases” this valley so wild keeps all its promises… The legs are still a little numb from the effort of walking rather stiff from the day at the start of Villard Loubière, but the mind and the heart, eux, float like in zero gravity. Up there, the terrace at the foot of the larch forest allows you not to miss one of the most beautiful sunsets on the mythical peaks over 3 000 mr. Comfortable and modern with its small dormitories and hot showers, this refuge is bordered by the GR 54, which allows you to join one other, that of Olan or go and taste the water of the lac Lautier.
Refuge des Souffles. 05800 Villard Loubière. Tel.: 04 92 55 22 91.
Refuge de Sales: massif Haut-Giffre, Haute-Savoie, 1 877 m
The refuge de Sales is located in the heart of a vast meadow green. Olivier October
At the heart of the natural reserve of Sixt-Passy, the ascent of 700 m of height difference is nicely punctuated by waterfalls. Mid-way, a torrent of calls clearly pause : ibex, marmots, and even the rare bearded vulture are part of the decor. Up there, a vast meadow unrolls its carpet green to run without end. Giant games in wood, cages football, and other tricycles are available, without forgetting the sandpit. The inside of the library is dedicated to children and many board games are available. For the getaways, backpacks “discovery of nature” lent by the custodian shall respond to all the questions of 8-12 years.
Refuge de Sales. Chemin Vicinal Ordinaire N°4, International to the Mountain of the Meeting, 74740 Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Tel.: 09 88 18 42 93.
Refuge de la Pilatte: massif de l’oisans, Isère, 2225 m
the refuge Pilatte and its breathtaking scenery. Committee Isère FFCAM
On its rocky promontory above the glacial cirque of the Pilatte refuge in the breathtaking scenery makes the link between the medium and the high mountain. An observation site ideal, accessible in particular from the village of la Bérarde in a wild Oisans, with views of the Ailefroide and the Ecrins. But up here, this is not the place you miss and you will never see a badminton court, and boules also perched high ! Inside sits a piano available to all, many games as well as the personal collection of COMICS from the babysitter Mathilde. The day, if the smaller hikers remain on the trails surrounding the area, the apprentices climbers will summit Gioberney through the course of initiation with ropes, crampons and racing edge.
Refuge de la Pilatte. 38520 Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans – La Bérarde. Tel.: 04 76 79 08 26.
Refuge of the Garins: massif des Bauges, Savoie, france, 1100 m
In addition to the 19-seat “hard”, the refuge of the Garins has two yurts for five places in the open meadow. Photo press
This pretty stone cottage between the forest and prairie has the gift of being particularly accessible, providing a feeling of end of the world. We arrive there in 1 hour from the village of Chatelard or virtually in the car, parking it 4km away. Between Annecy and Chambéry, in the heart of the Natural Park of the Bauges mountains, it borders with the GR96. In addition to his 19-seat ” hard “, two yurts of 5 seats are installed in the middle of the meadow. The walks can be accompanied by a donkey, which will have the picnic or the little hiker tired, and will season the output. On the spot, the keeper Véronique kitchen divinely its selection of fresh produce and local…
Refuge of the Garins. 3445 Route du Mont, 73630 Le Chatelard. Tel.: 04 79 63 80 01.
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