Winter Refuge in Les 3 Vallées, French Alps

Lac du Lou Refuge in Les Menuires

Renovated in 2017, this pretty, stone hideaway is perched at an altitude of 2,045 metres. It’s accessible on snowshoes or touring skis via a marked trail or an off-piste descent from Point de la Masse in Les Menuires, Boismint or Cime Caron in Val Thorens. Once the day visitors have left, you’ll find yourself hidden away from the world, with the guardians and their delicious meals, next to a frozen lake, under a starry sky. And there’s nowhere you’d rather be.

In the early hours of the morning, after a night under a duvet in one of the 5 comfortable dormitories, treat yourself to the unique experience of being on the still-deserted ski area before anybody else.

The Lac du Lou Refuge

Trait d’Union Refuge in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville

Just along from the village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, discreetly nestled in Les 3 Vallées’ ski area, Le Trait d’Union looks more like an Alpine chalet than a mountain refuge. There are no dormitories here, just beautifully cosy rooms, one of the warmest personalised welcomes, and panoramic views from the terrace, which boasts a Nordic bath. This intimate den is ideal for a couple’s getaway or a wonderful, revivifying family adventure. Accessible via the Saint-Martin-de-Belleville runs or on snowshoes via a trail from the village.

The Trait d’Union Refuge

Like a little island of indulgence and elegance that blends naturally into the mountains, the first luxury refuge in the French Alps nestles in a natural setting, tucked away from the rest of the world, in the upper section of Méribel. 10 kilometres from the nearest tarmacked road, this hamlet of authentic chalets offers a welcome worthy of the finest palaces while retaining the spirit of an authentic mountain refuge.

In this extraordinary mountainside den where every detail has been carefully considered, the aged wood are enhanced by delicate décor and warm, welcoming fabrics. The spa is without a doubt worthy of the most prestigious city establishments - it’s the perfect way to round off a snowshoeing session, or a tobogganing descent…
You can get there on foot, on snowshoes or on touring skis and your luggage can be transported separately.

La Traye refuge

Les Lacs Merlet Refuge in Courchevel

Have you heard about Courchevel’s hidden treasure? The Avals Valley is a little paradise in the wilderness located on the edge of the Vanoise National Park. At the top of this valley sits the smallest refuge in the National Park: Les Lacs Merlet Refuge. Accessible from the top of the Roc Merlet or Chanrossa chairlifts, it’s a short climb to Pas du Roc Merlet followed by a little off-piste jaunt to the refuge. In winter, guardian Corinne won’t be there, but the pretty cabin that sleeps 14 remains open to passing mountaineers. They’ll have to be completely independent as there’s no running water or electricity. A woodstore, stove, gas bottle and bunkbeds provide the comfort required to spend the night. Everything else takes place outside: the immense whiteness against which stands the beautiful Aiguille du Fruit, silence… and billions of stars. Simple. Unique.

Corine Excoffier, Refuge Guardian
06 62 39 72 69 / 04 79 06 56 76

Plan Lombardie Refuge in Belleville Valley

Hikers seeking simplicity will love the experience of a winter night at the Plan Lombardie Refuge. In an untouched, wild valley overlooked by the magnificent Cheval Noir, the refuge is unmanned in winter, but a simple phone call to the guardian will let you pick up the keys and access the site. One bedroom with 6 beds, a kitchen area, a gas cooker, and cooking equipment, as well as electric lamps and a wood-fired stove, is available for hikers. The woodstore is outside, as is a fresh water supply - just 20 metres from the refuge. With a fascinatingly remote feel and décor, and an abundance of nature that will put you in the mood for contemplation… all while being just 15 minutes from the village of Saint-Jean-de-Belleville in the Tarentaise.

Plan Lombardie Refuge