4-5 day trek around the mountain huts in Vallouise
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration5 days
-
LevelAdvance
-
DestinationBriançon / Écrins Massif
-
AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions26.02 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on an exceptional itinerary in the heart of the Écrins National Park , exploring the Vallouise valley on a 4- to 5-day trek . This trek, suitable for experienced hikers, immerses you in a wild and rugged landscape , between high mountain passes , shimmering glaciers , and breathtaking panoramas.
Each day takes you from mountain refuge to mountain refuge, in a warm and authentic atmosphere, fostered by passionate wardens. Evenings, punctuated by conversations among hikers and convivial meals , are an invitation to total disconnection . The remarkably clear night sky transforms into a veritable starry theater , far from any light pollution.
Easily accessible by train , particularly thanks to overnight services from Paris to L'Argentière-la-Bessée, this stay promotes an eco-friendly and car-free approach. A perfect balance between exertion, contemplation, and immersion , in the heart of a protected area.
Treat yourself to a unique alpine getaway , in the spirit of great mountain treks, between raw nature and mountain hospitality .
The highlights
-
Magnificent high mountain landscapes in the heart of the Écrins National Park
-
Nights in mountain refuges
-
Landscape diversity
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This is a self-guided trip, meaning it is not supervised or in a group.
Safety: Some sections of the route are steep with cables, exposed and slippery in wet weather, especially on the ascent to Sélé. The path is sometimes rocky.
As this is a high-altitude route, we encourage you to check the access conditions to the mountain huts and the weather forecast before booking.
To fully enjoy this stay, it is advisable to be in good health and physical condition.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 717 m
- Average daily descent: 715 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
Program
-
From Ailefroide to the Sélé refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 45 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The hike begins in Ailefroide, a legendary spot for hikers and mountaineers. You'll follow a trail that climbs gently through a larch forest before opening onto breathtaking, rocky landscapes. Along the way, waterfalls and streams punctuate your ascent. The Refuge du Sélé, situated at 2,511 meters altitude, offers a majestic setting with stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks. A peaceful evening awaits you in the heart of the Écrins National Park, perfect for recharging your batteries.
Day 1 -
From the Sélé refuge to the Pelvoux refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 770 m
- Negative elevation 577 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This stage immerses you in breathtaking high-altitude landscapes. From the Refuge du Sélé, you continue your ascent through a rocky and glacial environment typical of the Écrins massif. The path leads you to the Refuge du Pelvoux, located at 2,704 meters altitude, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding ridges and peaks. The tranquility of the place and the unique character of this refuge make it a truly memorable stop.
Optional step
Day 2 -
From the Pelvoux refuge to Ailefroide, via the Clapouse ridge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h45
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 589 m
- Negative elevation 1727 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The descent towards Ailefroide offers a peaceful interlude, allowing you to admire the high-altitude landscapes that gradually transform into meadows and forests. The return journey will take you up to the Clapouse hill in the forest, before a leisurely descent back to the village – the perfect detour to enjoy the surrounding natural environment. An ideal day to relax before embarking on the next stage of your adventure.
Day 3 -
From Ailefroide to the Glacier Blanc refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 1091 m
- Negative elevation 132 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Head towards the majestic Glacier Blanc! After crossing the Vallouise valley, the trail climbs gently through a high mountain landscape. As you gain altitude, the scenery transforms into a breathtaking glacial world. The Glacier Blanc refuge, perched at 2,542 meters, offers spectacular views of the glacier and surrounding peaks, promising an unforgettable evening.
Day 4 -
From the Glacier Blanc refuge to Ailefroide
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h15
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 132 m
- Negative elevation 1091 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
For this final stage, you descend gently back towards Ailefroide, following the winding path that reveals splendid panoramas of the surrounding mountains. Savor these last moments in this magnificent setting before returning to the village and concluding this stay rich in emotions and discoveries.
Day 5
Accommodation
The Selé refuge is an ideal stop for families to discover mountain hut life and spend a night in the high mountains. For mountaineers, it's the gateway to the Ailefroides, the Pointe des Boeufs Rouges, the Pic du Selé... peaks that have marked the history of mountaineering. In about 3 hours from Ailefroide, after a rocky section equipped with handrails that marks the end of the access route, you emerge onto a small plateau, at the far end of which you can see the Selé glacier and its ice cave.
Pelvoux Refuge
About a 3.5-hour hike from Ailefroide, the Pelvoux refuge (2704 m) sits atop a rocky promontory, extending the moraine of the Clot de Homme glacier in the Écrins massif. Arriving at the refuge, surrounded by a high-mountain landscape, you'll discover a magnificent view over the Celse Nière valley. The Aiguilles de Sialouze, the Pelvoux and all its variations: the Pointe Puiseux, the Pelvoux traverse, or even the Petit Pelvoux... so many prestigious climbs starting from this refuge that will immerse you in the fabulous history of mountaineering. Informative panels inside the refuge will bring these great moments to life: the ascent of the Pelvoux, the construction of the Lemercier refuge, and more.
For three generations, the Hôtel Engilberge has welcomed lovers of nature, high altitudes, and tranquility. Located in the hamlet of Ailefroide (Vallouise-Pelvoux), at the foot of the peaks of the Écrins National Park, our family-run hotel and restaurant is an authentic establishment, popular with both regulars and visitors.
Nestled at an altitude of 1,500 meters, within a protected site, our house offers you peace, coolness and direct access to the mountains.
In a protected and traffic-free setting, you can enjoy a large wooded park, a sunny terrace, and an environment conducive to both relaxation and adventure.
Glacer Blanc Refuge
The Glacier Blanc, located in the heart of the Écrins massif, in a remarkable mineral and glacial landscape, gives the site its exceptional character. The Glacier Blanc refuge (2550m) is easily accessible for families with a 2.5-hour hike. Midway between Pré de Mme Carle and the Refuge des Écrins, it invites hikers and mountaineers to take a break with its large sunny terrace facing the Pelvoux. For mountaineers, it provides access to numerous renowned routes, such as the Agneaux, the Pic du Glacier Blanc, the Cinéastes, and Neige Cordier.
Access
Go to the starting point
You can take the train to L'Argentière station, then drive to Ailefroide.
Price details
The price includes
- 4 nights in a dormitory room with half-board (breakfast, dinner)
- A hiking map
- The digital roadbook
The price does not include
- Transportation to the place of stay
- Picnics
- Drinks and personal expenses
- The tourist tax
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Hiking backpack (30 to 40 L)
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Walking poles (optional, but useful for steep ascents and descents)
- Sunscreen
- Phone
- Lightweight toiletry bag
- Small first aid kit (bandages, disinfectant, personal medications)
- Headlamp (just in case)
Clothing to bring
- Breathable T-shirts (2 or 3)
- A fleece or a warm sweatshirt
- A waterproof jacket (in case of rain or wind)
- Comfortable trousers or shorts
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- A cap or hat and sunglasses
